While I'm always trying to reduce, reuse and recycle, when I do get plastic bags, I use them for my puppy's poop. Are there any other ways to be more eco-conscious when it comes to pets?

First, I want to say that I am 100% in favor of banning plastic bags and charging for paper. I always use my reusable bags or just carry my purchase if I forget.

Having said that, I just want to point out to those who seem to be blaming cashiers and baggers for bagging wastefully that there is not much we can do about it if you don't tell us you'd like us to stuff them full. I'm a checker at a natural foods store and it makes me sick to use so much plastic, but it is what most people want and unfortunately I can't refuse without losing my job. We're trained not to pack bags super full because it makes most customers upset (it's either "too heavy" or they believe it will crush things, even though I absolutely know how to pack bags very full without squishing anything). I try to fit as much in a bag as I can but customers still whine at me all day long, so I have to take stuff out and use more bags. Some people seem devoted to using as much as possible, insisting on paper in plastic (even though our paper has handles and is sturdy), or double plastic, or double paper, for everything, even just a couple items that could easily be carried. A lot of people say they want as many bags as possible because they use them for pets and trash, etc. Jessica M, you said yourself you weren't paying attention, and that was the problem. We can't just assume you want only 1 or 2 bags, you have to tell us and we will be more than happy to oblige. It's absurd to call and get the cashier in trouble for doing what he or she was no doubt trained to do, when you could just as easily ask nicely for what you want. 

This is so great to know. I wasn't even aware that plastic bags where a problem. I will now use my own bag or stuff whatever few items in my purse. Thanks for posting!! <3

People always make fun of me for reuseing water bottles or just drinking water from tap. This is a big reason on why I do it. My parents just started to recycle and I think them all the time for that. I hate seeing how people can be so careless. Yet all we can do is give a hand and clean up the mess that other people make.

There is no reason to ever not bring your own bags!  Check out Chico Bags http://www.chicobag.com/.  They are incredibly light and fold up easily to fit in your purse.  They can also clip on your belt if you don't carry a purse/backpack.  The RePETE Vita bag holds 40 pounds and is made from recycled bottles.  Since I started using them, I NEVER have forgotten my bags :)

What about kitchen and bathroom trash bags?

Instead of buying trash bags i usually just use the grocery store bags...

Bio Bags makes wonderful biodegradable trash bags that can be composted.  Check them out here http://www.biobagusa.com/.  You can buy them at most Whole Foods.

Hey those bags are pretty neat and stylish. If I forget to bring in my bags I use the  paper bags for recycled stuff and place in the recycled bink.

Also I use them to empty out my cat litter. I'm making it a habit to keep my bags in my car at all times so I won't forget them.