On Wednesday, I went to Cold Storage in Sixth Avenue and brought my own canvas carryall as I would like to contribute to this worldwide cause of saving the earth. I was surprised to see many plastic bags used at checkout and no one seemed to have brought their own bags, and the cashiers did not 'enforce' any kind of participation.

When it was my turn, the cashier immediately started putting my purchases in a plastic bag, so I told her I had brought my own bag and gave it to her. Amusingly, she continued to put my purchases in the plastic bag and then put the plastic bag in my canvas bag. (All this happened rather quickly, as I didn't have much).

I immediately stopped her and said, 'No, that's why I've brought my own bag, so you don't have to use the plastic bag.' I received a stony stare and mild throwing around of goods and bags. I had to see the funny side of it, or just get mad.

The point here is that not enough is done to educate everyone on this practice. Let's hope that when the next Bring Your Own Bag day comes around, there will be some improvement - and a few more smiles.

Sandra De Souza (Ms)