LIST: Things about The UK you wish you had known

I have reusable bags to bring shopping home in.  Reisenthel bags (well made and pretty patterns!  Can't find the ones I have online, but I know I've seen them at The Container Store in the US ) and some canvas bags but I'm short (5 foot 2) and when my arms are fully extended holding the handles, they always drag on the ground.     So they go over my shoulder.   

I got some amazing, really heavy-duty canvas bags when a new Uniqlo store opened in London about two years ago.    I happened to be there when they were giving out free bags (white with Uniqlo and city names all over it in red) and I cheekily got two.    They're really good- besides having a few pomegranate stains (admittedly, white isn't the best colour to use for shopping bags and they were probably intended for clothes shopping) they've held up superbly. 

For big shops, DH usually brings his backpack and if it's a really big shop, I do as well. 

This is all well and good, but there's no way in hell I'm carrying even ONE shopping bag even ONE block That's the point of the Trolley!

This is all well and good, but there's no way in hell I'm carrying even ONE shopping bag even ONE block That's the point of the Trolley!

Understandable, but reusable bags are easier for us to carry than a trolley since we usually stop by the shop on our way back from work/going out and it's not always practical to bring a trolley with us.    Since our reasons are primarily environmental and convenience, they work out better for us.   

Our goal is to not use plastic bags- we only use them when we forget our reusable bags (about once a month).    And they come in pretty colours and patterns, so they're a bit more stylish than bright orange Sainsbury's bags. 

This is all well and good, but there's no way in hell I'm carrying even ONE shopping bag even ONE block That's the point of the Trolley!

Exactly! I use shopping bags because I generally drive to do my shopping. But if I were on foot, I'd be sporting this bad boy:

Understandable, but reusable bags are easier for us to carry than a trolley since we usually stop by the shop on our way back from work/going out and it's not always practical to bring a trolley with us.    Since our reasons are primarily environmental and convenience, they work out better for us.   

Our goal is to not use plastic bags- we only use them when we forget our reusable bags (about once a month).    And they come in pretty colours and patterns, so they're a bit more stylish than bright orange Sainsbury's bags. 

I do what you do TravelingFrog.  I pretty much carry my backpack every day (now that's *not* very stylish) and I use canvas bags or other recycled bags as well for shopping.  I'd rather have the weight on my back than be pulling something on wheels behind me.  This is why I also prefer backpacks to suitcases.

Understandable, but reusable bags are easier for us to carry than a trolley since we usually stop by the shop on our way back from work/going out and it's not always practical to bring a trolley with us.    Since our reasons are primarily environmental and convenience, they work out better for us.   

Our goal is to not use plastic bags- we only use them when we forget our reusable bags (about once a month).    And they come in pretty colours and patterns, so they're a bit more stylish than bright orange Sainsbury's bags. 

Never said I used plastic bags I also have a large quantity of quality shopping bags, but I don't carry them when full, as I can't. I also don't drive, hardly ever, and I try to make the most of times when I do. 

As far as carrying a backpack all the time, you don't know what you've got til it's gone.  These two herniated discs are from carrying heavy ass backpack/instruments around all the time and in general not being kind to my spine.  Just be careful.

Never said I used plastic bags I also have a large quantity of quality shopping bags, but I don't carry them when full, as I can't. I also don't drive, hardly ever, and I try to make the most of times when I do. 

Sorry if my post came across wrong- I certainly wasn't accusing anyone of using plastic. I don't really mind what others do- I just try to avoid it myself. 

Like Andee said, bags are just easier for us and we've usually got backpacks with us.  . Plus we've got some dodgy pavement in the mile between our flat and Sainsbury's and a trolley might make it harder. 

To each his own.... I was just throwing in my two bits. 

I filled up my back pack and cloth carry bags and would drag my stuff home like a pack mule. I hated it so much and my back would be killing me. I also had to go to the grocery store all the time because I couldn't do a big shop. I'm an idiot for never getting a trolley and if I lived there right now I'd get one. The one Chary posted is lovely!

The one Chary posted is lovely!

After I posted that pic, I went into Penzance for a meeting and I actually saw someone with that exact same trolley!!

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As far as carrying a backpack all the time, you don't know what you've got til it's gone.  These two herniated discs are from carrying heavy ass backpack/instruments around all the time and in general not being kind to my spine.  Just be careful.

Hmm, never occurred to me I might be causing damage!  I always thought of it as good 'weight bearing exercise'.  I don't have a massive backpack (well, I do, but not for shopping!) but filled up with tins, jars, etc. it can get pretty heavy...

I think if you have a good quality backpack it wouldn't be so bad. My backpack would drag down my shoulders and they would be killing me by the time I got home.

I just walked home a couple of hours ago laden like a pack mule. I'm here to testify, my back hurts and I know I overdid it. Might have to buy a trolley and see if DH makes good on his threat to divorce me  

I just walked home a couple of hours ago laden like a pack mule. I'm here to testify, my back hurts and I know I overdid it. Might have to buy a trolley and see if DH makes good on his threat to divorce me  

Husband vs trolley. Hmmm ... I'd have to think about that one for a while! 

Hmm, never occurred to me I might be causing damage!  I always thought of it as good 'weight bearing exercise'.  I don't have a massive backpack (well, I do, but not for shopping!) but filled up with tins, jars, etc. it can get pretty heavy...

Just trying to wriggle into a heavily laden backpack is not too good for you.  When DH was facing surgery the nurse said no heavy lifting.  He said "Oh that's all right - I'll use my rucksack."  She shook her head and said just putting it on might disturb an incision.  So I imagine it would not be too good on a regular basis for anyone prone to back problems.  (I think it helps though if you have someone to "load" it onto and off your back  )

Sorry if my post came across wrong- I certainly wasn't accusing anyone of using plastic. I don't really mind what others do- I just try to avoid it myself. 

Like Andee said, bags are just easier for us and we've usually got backpacks with us.  . Plus we've got some dodgy pavement in the mile between our flat and Sainsbury's and a trolley might make it harder. 

To each his own.... I was just throwing in my two bits. 

No worries, I've been a bit sensitive lately, so I might have taken it wrong, too.  I am the crunchiest, most environmentally sensitive person I know, with one or two SUPERvegan exceptions.

Hmm, never occurred to me I might be causing damage!  I always thought of it as good 'weight bearing exercise'.  I don't have a massive backpack (well, I do, but not for shopping!) but filled up with tins, jars, etc. it can get pretty heavy...

It never occurred to me either.  Basically, what I've learned since is you need to build up the right muscles to carry that much weight and you need to be carrying it the proper way, otherwise you can do damage.  Now I have a teeny tiny upper body, so my spine wasn't going to be able to bear much load, even if I was ripped [I did dance, work out, and do yoga ALL THE TIME], but if I had done it properly and not all the damned time, I probably wouldn't have these problems :/

I kind of like this one. It's rather Paul Smith-y.