I've always saved paper bags. It's what my parents did. I remember my MiL commenting on it as well as my washing out of glass jars and hanging washed out plastic bags on the line so they could be re-used. I still do it.
There's no doubt she thought it a waste of time.
I just let loose fruit and veg roll around the trolley with the rest of the shopping and group them together on the conveyer belt.
Last weekend, in Rutland, the first statue in Britain of the late Elizabeth II was unveiled.