Dear Local Retailers, Can’t We Find a Paper Bag that Lasts?

I don’t mind paying for an occasional paper bag, but can’t they make them so that they will last until I get the groceries in the house?  

Let me start by saying that I don’t have a problem paying a nickel (or more) for a paper bag. I usually take my own reusable bags, but we all get caught, from time to time, stopping into the store and realizing we left our bags at home. Or getting halfway through our shopping and realizing that we left our bags in the car. In those instances, I don’t complain about having to pay for the provided paper bags.  

But here’s my issue. The other day, I stopped into the store unexpectedly, to buy a small container of half n’ half and a loaf of bread. I didn’t have my reusable bags, since I was in my husband's car, so I bought a large paper bag for my two small items. Got home, grabbed the bag on my way out of the car, and it fell apart in my hands. Really? With barely any weight inside, the bag simply shredded every time I tried to pick it up.

I remember the days when paper bags were so sturdy, we used them for book covers. They were the best options because they lasted longer than the cheap, thin book covers you could buy in the store. Shove your book in and out of your backpack all day, and the covers would hold up. But with the bags we have now, your lunch wouldn't even stay in one piece inside a backpack for the morning.

Please, retailers, can’t we get the old bags back? Heavy, sturdy brown paper bags that could carry a dozen canned goods without tearing. That we could fold up and store in a drawer until we wanted to send food to a neighbor or family member. Or line a trash can. We miss those bags. We’ll pay for them. But they should at least be worth the nickel we pay.  

Sign me a frustrated bag lady.