So, I've recently joined the rest of my earth-conscious family and decided to start bringing in my own bags to the market. At first I felt noble and proud, but then things took a turn for the worst. I got greedy. I got addicted to my $.05 bag credit (yes, 5 cents).
Today, like most Wednesdays, I stopped into Whole Foods for lunch. I picked up a sandwich - only one item - and made my way to the checkout. I nonchalantly strolled up the counter and placed my purchase in front of the lady, unaware of the horror that was to unfold.
The humorless lady stared into space and demanded, "$7.29".
"You forgot my bag credit", I responded, sure there had been some mistake.
"You didn't bring in a bag".
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
"But I'm not taking one of your bags. Surely, that is the purpose of the credit."
"No, the credit is for bringing in your own bag."
"I have a bag in my car that I am walking out to, which I promise you, I will place my sandwich in once I get there."
She stared straight ahead and without looking (how did she manage this, but not manage to acknowledge the gaping hole of logic in her argument?) she paged her supervisor.
The smiling supervisor came over and asked "What seems to be the problem?"
"She didn't bring in a bag but she wants the bag credit". (Did I mention there was now a line of about 5 annoyed people forming behind me? But it's the principle!)
"You're supposed to bring your own bag in", the supervisor responded.
"Pretend I did. Imagine I am holding a bag."
"Okay, we will allow it this once", replied the crafty supervisor.
Flummoxed, but victorious, I exited with my unbagged sandwich and my $.05 bag credit.
As a co-worker suggested after I relayed my tale, perhaps I should have just told them if I wasn't going to get a credit, then I'd just take the bag I was paying for. And while they're at it, the sandwich looks a little messy -- could they double-bag it?
Okay, I get it. It's the principle. It's about the environment. Not my wallet. But still...
