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Monday, October 26, 2009

The details of plastic bagdom are ever in flux. Cities are trying to ban them. Stores are giving people money to not use them.

Today, a major national pharmacy retailer joined the fray. CVS announced what is basically a 25-cent giveback for every bag a customer doesn’t use. Great deal, right? Especially when you consider that most grocery stores only give in the neighborhood of a nickel.

But there’s a catch. You need one of those horrid little cards — “loyalty” cards is what they’re often called — to take advantage of the deal. Actually, you need TWO of those horrid little cards.

Do I need to say here how much I hate all those horrid little cards and tags that we’re supposed to carry around on our key chains to get a discount at some store or other? Am I alone?

I have cards at two grocery stores. For a while, I had a card that gave me a free cup of coffee every tenth time. My pet food store gives me some kind of cut if I use their card. And so on. If I took advantage of all of the cards and deals, I’d just about need an extra purse.

So, yes, I rolled my eyes when I heard about yet another discount card, even though CVS promises theirs — a “GreenBagTag” in the shape of a green leaf — is made with corn-based material and 100 percent recycled silicone.

Except that the 25 cents really is a good deal, so bear with CVS in figuring out how it works. I've distilled it into ten easy steps:

1) Sign up for an “ExtraCare” card, which is free and entitles you to various discounts. You cannot get a GreenBagTag without it.

2) Hand over 99 cents.

3) The clerk will give you the tag. 

4) The GreenBagTag comes in a little package — it’s made of recycled paper, but still, go figure. Please save this so you can recycle it.

5) Next time you buy something and don’t use a bag, swipe the ExtraCare card AND the leaf-shaped tag.

6) Do it again.

7) Do it again.

8) Do it one more time. Only after the fourth bag denied does the computer tally a $1 discount, which CVS calls the “Extra Buck.” It’s printed on your receipt. Your paper receipt.

9) And now ... don’t lose that receipt! May I suggest paper-clipping it to your leaf card, just in case your key ring isn’t already bursting?

10) Next time you’re back in any of the 7,000 CVS stores in the nation, hand the receipt to the clerk, who will scan it to give you the ExtraBuck credit on your purchase.

Got it? Stay tuned for the tally on how many plastic bags this saves.
 

Posted by Sandy Bauers @ 11:00 AM  Permalink | 3 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:12 AM, 10/28/2009
    Why can't they use just one card-the ExtraCare one they've had for years, and simply credit your account with 1 swipe? And, wow-they have 7,000 stores? Some of them must literally be across the street from each other.
    Paul B
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:55 PM, 10/28/2009
    Wow. This really seems way too complicated. It's one thing to have to use two different cards. But then to have to remember to bring your receipt back again to get the discount? It almost seems like they don't want people to take them up on it!
    Beth Terry
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:11 PM, 10/30/2009
    I agree with you about the silly "membership/discount" cards. Just a way to track our personal spending habits. I have stopped signing up for them as they are a nuisance, and typically seem to save me less than a dollar. I'd rather the companies produce quality GREEN products at a reasonable cost. AND STOP USING PLASTICS, in the products and in the packaging. Retailers should do away with plastic doodads. Who buys this stuff?
    eksommer


3 comments
About Sandy Bauers
Sandy Bauers is the environment reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where she has worked for more than 20 years as a reporter and editor. She lives in northern Chester County with her husband, two cats, a large vegetable garden and a flock of pet chickens.

GreenSpace - her column about how to reduce your carbon footprint in everyday life - appears every other Monday in Health & Science.

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