Bag guilt

I suppose the environmental message has really started to affect people, to the point where if I ask someone if they want a bag for their shopping, they hesitate for a good thirty seconds as if it's the hardest question they have even been asked. To be honest, I'm not going to give someone a guilt trip about it, plastic bags do have their uses. I tend to take a backpack with me when I do my weekly shop, and I'm kinda surprised more people don't do this; it seriously makes it easier to carry stuff. The only thing that really bugs me is when people want a bag for the most ridiculous things; a toothbrush will fit in your handbag, or could go in one of your other bags, there is barely any point in taking a bag for something so small. I don't think we need to feel terrible each time we ask for a bag, we just need to assess whether or not it is necessary.