Carrier bags

My butcher provides them. I agree that they are useful for all sorts of things. We save them for the sending stuff home with the grandchildren and they often reappear.

The next time you take something to a charity shop ask there. They will have plenty and be happy to give you some.

Thank you. Asking at the charity shop is a good idea. Don't know why I haven't done that before! Especially as that is where the majority of mine have gone.

Shop online with Ocado- they provide them free (or used to)

Most supermarkets sell rolls of plastic bags, for various household uses. I have just bought some from Waitrose.

You are welcome HelterSkelter1
As there are millions of them still in circulation it makes sense to reuse them rather than buying new ones.

HelterSkelter1

Thank you. Asking at the charity shop is a good idea. Don't know why I haven't done that before! Especially as that is where the majority of mine have gone.

Not our charity shop,we have to buy them ☹️

Ocado charges and then pays you back when you give them back.
If you don't return them you have effectively bought them.

For all the jobs you use plastic bags for I use cardboard boxes.

When things are delivered I save the boxes and I get others from my local supermarket. Fruit boxes are great for books and plants.

It would be great if there were a real alternative to carrier bags - the trouble is, we've got so used to them and although I do remember (just about) when our shopping either went straight in a basket or in a paper bag, the humble carrier has a hundred uses.

I buy waste paper bin liners from a supermarket. They seem to last me ages and are reasonably inexpensive.

Now I buy toilet roll in paper packaging I find if I cut the packet open very carefully it makes a good strong bin liner.

I have made a few simple, unlined, tote bags which are now doing the rounds within the family and my circle of friends for when we are gifting or exchanging items. They were really simple to make and many are recycled ........ an old shirt makes a great tote bag.

Our charity shop always has hundreds and would happily give you some (we also have strong ones for sale)

I collect items for our village fete and people are surprised when I offer them their bags for life back when they bring donations. We do keep them on the white elephant for people to take but lots have to go to the recycling centre.

Never ceases to amaze me how many people still don’t take a bag with them when they go shopping and know they will need one.

“Would you like a bag?” asks the assistant.
“Yes please” they reply.

What a waste of money, take one with you.

I have several ikea bags that I have had for years, I use these to take stuff to the charity, wait for them to be emptied so that I can have them back.
I like the fold up nylon bags that I can either put in bag or pocket, these I put through the washer now & again.

Thank you for your suggestions. I have today bought a roll of Tesco pedal bin liners which will do the job for the charity shop items and the tièd up bag for the electrical bits and pieces I leave beside the recycling bin.
And of course I can use them for the bathroom bin which I usually use supermarket loose vegetable bags.
They will be stronger and the important thing is the tie handles.
I never thought I would get through that stash of supermarket bags!

I'm still working through my stash of carriers from before the charge came in - they are slowly dwindling but I've got a couple more years' worth yet.

I make bags too * Astitchintime*.

We have a home furnishing shop in town and when they change their range they put the old sample books outside free to collector. I've made dozens of bags from Sanderson samples for nothing.

I put clothes for charity/recycling in those bags that people insist on putting through the door. I have a collection of those, and they come in handy for many things - some have "handles" and some don't. I have used them in the past as bin bags but you have to be careful as many have little air holes in them!

I always remember to pick some up when holidaying abroad. A lot of countries still give them out free.

Your post reminded me that when I was teaching Textiles I had an arrangement with a fabric wholesaler who would donate literally hundreds of sample books to 'my' school. The samples were ideal for the y8 project = making wall hung storage panels.
There was sufficient variety to choose from and the details could be added using toning/matching fabrics. I really loved that project.

Ocado charge 10p a bag, but refund that when you hand them back on the next order. Similar to Morrisons.

I don't actively search out carrier bags. They seem to find me. I detest them, ever since my Mum made me use a nasty, crinkly, noisy carrier bag. I try my utmost to get rid of carrier bags but they seem to breed like rabbits in our house. As fast as I use one to take bits to the charity shop or give a few bit to a friend more seem to appear in my bag of carrier bags. My advice is to tell all your friends that you hate carrier bags. You will find that they will give you one every time they return a book they borrowed or they will put a tiny slice of the cake they have just baked into a carrier bag. Alternatively, just pop in for a cuppa and I will give you my bag of multiplying carriers.