Getting Literally Nickeled and Dimed at the Grocery Store

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Go reusable or pay up: The movement to charge shoppers for plastic bags at supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores, and anywhere else you’ve been asked “paper or plastic?” is gaining momentum.

Earlier this year, voters rejected a 20¢ per bag charge fee in Seattle. But a 5¢ bag fee just went into effect in D.C., and lawmakers around the country are expected to introduce similar fees in the near future.

Reaction to the new fee from various D.C. shoppers:

“It’s stupid.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“They got to raise money some kind of way, and people will change their habits and that’s a good thing.”

“I think it’s ridiculous.”