Sobeys outlets across Canada will be banning all plastic grocery bags next year and it seems local shoppers are largely on board with this decision.

After polling many Steinbach residents walking in and out of Clearspring Mall, it appears that most people are in favor of eliminating the bags from their shopping routines in order to help the environment.

One frequent Sobeys shopper, Fred Harder, feels the plastic bags were a mistake to begin with and says the paper substitute Sobeys will be offering is a far cleaner solution.

“They should have never got started on plastic bags. There is no way of dealing with them after they are used, they are a mess in our water systems and garbage dumps and they don’t decompose.”

On the contrary, Harder says paper bags could be recycled or used as bonfire kindling if so desired.

Another frequent customer, Jolene Moroz is simply glad to hear Sobeys is trying to reduce their carbon footprint.“I think it’s wonderful,” she says, “it makes less waste, it is better for the environment, and I already have reusable bags and a thermal bag that keeps my stuff cold.”

Shopper Alyssa Peters believes paper bags are a step in the right direction but notes that reusable bags are even better.

“I think it is very practical to use reusable bags and bins. Everybody has them, they just leave them at home, so this will be a good reminder for people to bring them with.”

Customer Adina Sawatzky adds that Sobeys’ step away from plastic is just one of the way times are changing.

“Everybody else is, so why shouldn’t they?"

While nearly every shopper polled agreed with this general line of thinking, some customers did not.

“I think it’s ridiculous that they’re getting rid of the plastic bags that we’ve used for so many years. They are great for around the house and they are easy to use,” argues one agitated shopper who dissents to the incoming changeover.

“Paper bags are hard to hold onto, the handles fall off, they’re not user-friendly, and I just find that when you’ve got milk, ice cream, or frozen goods, those paper bags get wet and then they break.”

All opinions aside, the change is final and will be implemented on January 31st of next year.