I suppose I live in a plastic bubble because I wasn't aware that if you choose not to have your purchase bagged in a plastic bag at Target Stores you will receive a $.05 discount on your purchase.

Now, I wish I could tell you I found this out because I was using a recyclable bag.  But I wasn't, which makes this aha moment even bigger to me.  I made two separate purchases--one for work-related items and one for personal.  The cashier asked if she could put all my purchases into one plastic bag.  Of course I said, "Yes."  To which she replied, "Great, I can save you $.05 for not using another plastic bag.  Cool! 

Is this a new initiative on the part of Target Corporation?  I went on line to see how out of touch I really was and found out I may not be the only one who wasn't aware of this.  Nowhere on Target's web site or in any Google search could I find info about this benefit.

What I did discover was that as recently as last month several states including New York, Virginia, Washington, Connecticut, Massachusetts, California and Michigan are considering legislation that would charge people $.05, and possibly more, for using plastic bags.

Punishment or reward?  Its the classic decision every parent makes when trying to change the behavior of their children.  And to be honest, the answer often varies within a family depending on the personality of the child.  I was a "reward" motivated child...and adult.  My daughter is the same.  We'll both do (or stop doing) just about anything for a great piece of chocolate.

I'm not sure what the right answer is for the public when it comes to plastic bag use.  I will say that the "reward" approach Target is taking makes me want to shop there again and not use plastic at all. I only wish they'd promote this benefit.  Perhaps it would prevent the government from getting involved.