Exploding shopping bags

Dizzyribs

I fold my “explosive” Aldi etc. bags in 4 and secure with an elastic band which keeps them from exploding. The elastic band goes into the bottom of each bag as I pack it, then back on after emptying at home so I can fit it neatly into the drawer with its “friends”.

Now I have had my 'lockdown' hair cut I use the thick hair 'elastics' that I used to use, they don't ping like rubber bands can and are much kinder to your hands!

Some gransnetters are very organised. Well done for providing some very good ideas for the less organised like myself. I have never got around to self scanning and I do agree that if it entails people losing their jobs eventually, I would notsupport that.

I just neatly fold then over and pop them at the Bottom of the trolley and put food on top if necessary. AsI unload them on the service belt (yes I want a real human being) I swish them open for loading food into them in categories.

Empty out at home straight back into boot of car. Not bothered they don't have squared bases, they last a long time and wipe out very well too.

It never occurred to try and hand the bags on the trolley and have them banging my knees.

Went to Aldi yesterday we had 3bags they have to now check each bag to check its empty (due to increase in shoplifting ),before starting to scan anything.

You could try string bags maybe. I use my Aldi ones and I agree they do rather explode..

I have a Sainsbury's that must be 25 years old and it folds perfectly into quarters as do the Morrisons ones too. Do you mean the bags that cost 10p at one time and are replaced free of charge type? These too fold yp into quarters but being slippy I bubdke them when folded and use a larfe elastic band to keep them together. A hair band also does the job.

I agree with those who say that they won't use the self-scan check-outs. We live in a small rural town and don't have the facility of scanning items as we go round so it's queue at the check-out with an actual person putting the items through or self-scan. Apart from anything else, the self-scans never work properly for me - I always have to have someone come to sort out a problem. Luckily I can usually choose to shop when it's not too busy, so don't have long to queue.

I mostly use these - one from Waterstones years ago, ditto one bought in Oz. Very strong, plus broad fabric handles which I can put over my shoulder without them cutting in.
I keep a couple of reusable supermarket bags inside for extras, but I don’t often do a very big shop any more.

We have used plastic crates, a habit we picked up in Germany, for years now. We take two crates and fill them as we go round the store for our weekly shop. We take a trolley each with a crate, as I need a trolley for walking, I have spinal stenosis and my balance is not good. At the cashpoint we load the crates evenly so the weight is evenly balanced and just load them directly into the car. The crates are stored flat in the boot when not in use.

I use light weight canvas bags, don't hold nearly as much but much more manageable a weight to lift that huge bags and they fold flat to go back into the car.
Hubby got me some plain ones from the dog for Mothers day and I got the grandchildren to decorate them with fabric pens.

nomoreusernames

I use Aldi freezer bags,got 3 of them.Had them 2/3yrs now,hold loads of stuff not just for freezer and fold up perfectly after use.They're zipped and very strong.

Yes, I've got the lovely red fruity version of these and wish I had more, though they are a bit big and heavy when full.
I also have a smaller grey and green Waitose bag which is the perfect size - not too heavy.

Try these:

youtu.be/XlG06nLnU3Q

I use undyed organic cotton canvas bags with black webbing handles I bought on Amazon. They are sturdy, washable and fold up neatly. I also use mesh bags for loose fruit and vegetables. These also wash and fold up quite small.

Secondwind

Try these:

youtu.be/XlG06nLnU3Q

Thanks for that, Secondwind

A friend showed me it briefly a little while ago but I couldn't remember how he'd done it when I tried it later.

i fold mine as best i can and put a couple of elastic bands around them.

Fold and roll the bag up, then secure with a rubber band which is placed in the bag with the shopping to be there for next time.

These shopping bag pellets fir easily into pockets and handbags.

I use jute ones mostly and those bags with silver linings for cold things. The Costco huge ones are good if you get a lot.

Purpledaffodil

As a side note, I’ve found the elephant type bags can go in the washing machine and then are line dried. Come out fresh and clean 😬

I also use them as laundry bags to carry washing out to the line and back in when dry.
Thanks for the tip about them being machine washable but does that make them go floppy?

Callistemon21

I was going to suggest the green Waitrose ones which fold flat and will then fit into a large (exploding!) bag but I've just searched and think they've been discontinued.

You could see if they have any in a local store, perhaps.

Just reporting back to say thanks! I got some green Waitrose bags in store today, and they are exactly what I needed, a good size, recycled material and fold right down. Problem solved.

Casdon

Callistemon21

I was going to suggest the green Waitrose ones which fold flat and will then fit into a large (exploding!) bag but I've just searched and think they've been discontinued.

You could see if they have any in a local store, perhaps.

Just reporting back to say thanks! I got some green Waitrose bags in store today, and they are exactly what I needed, a good size, recycled material and fold right down. Problem solved.

Oh good. We've had ours for a few years and they are still the best ones we've seen.

Callistemon21

Bit of a late response, but glad it was of help!

Secondwind

Callistemon21

Bit of a late response, but glad it was of help!

Now I need to go through them all and practise! 🙂