Shopper’s ‘annoying’ experience at ALDI sparks debate: ‘That stuff is a joke’

As the push for sustainability gains momentum, more people are seeking innovative ways to reduce their environmental footprint, and the paper recycling bag offers a practical solution.

ALDI, one of Australia’s largest supermarkets, also joined in on this advocacy. To reduce plastic use, they offer customers the chance to buy paper bags for their groceries.

However, a recent incident involving an ALDI customer and their paper bag has sparked a heated debate online.



An ALDI customer shared their frustration about the retailer’s paper bag—specifically its durability.

According to the customer, her shopping trip ended in disaster when the bag ripped, leaving her groceries scattered on the driveway.

The customer shared an image on social media showing a torn ALDI shopping bag next to several grocery items by the tyre of a car.


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The ALDI shopper posted this image of the scattered groceries after her paper bag ripped. Credits: Facebook



The caption read: 'The one and only time I will use their bags. Last minute decision to even grab one. Very annoyed!!'

The items that had broken the paper bag included a large pasta salad, dog food, a pack of bacon, salami, and a few other smaller items.

The post quickly garnered attention, with many sympathising with the woman's plight.

However, others argued that the customer was at fault for not holding the bag from the bottom and overloading it with heavy and cold items.



Many defended the woman, sharing their own experiences of paper bag breakages.

'Happened to me picking up the bag at the register, that was three months ago. Will never buy the paper bag again from them,' one said.

Another lamented the shift away from plastic, saying, 'Bring back plastic bags [and] knives, forks, spoons and straws...this wood/paper stuff is a joke.'

Others pointed out that the situation could have been worse if the shopper was carrying breakable items.

'Lucky [there are] no eggs!' one user wrote.



Not everyone was quick to blame the bag, though.

Some commenters pointed out that the bag was overloaded and not properly handled.

'They are meant to be carried underneath. I don't know why they bother with handles. Old school paper bags you always carried from the bottom,' wrote one.

Another added, 'Cheese, dog food, and large pasta salad in the same bag? That'll do it.'


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ALDI paper bags are used by customers to carry groceries without relying too much on the use of plastic. Credits: ALDI



The incident prompted calls for supermarkets to reconsider the type of bags they offer at the checkout.

Dr Trevor Thornton, from Deakin University, said that paper bags may not be the eco-friendly solution they're often portrayed as.



'The environmental impact needs to be taken into account because most of the paper bags are transported to Australia from overseas. Most paper bags are used just once because they tear or break and aren't fit for two-litre milk and large ice cream tubs,' he said.

'We also don't use paper bags multiple times like we did with plastic bags. Many of us grew up using plastic bags for multiple things, including the rubbish bin.'

Dr Thornton suggested that supermarkets need to offer better quality products to their customers.

‘If I complained about the quality of a product or the standard of food, the supermarket would do some investigations, but I've heard stories where customers are just told to buy two bags to make them sturdier’



Dr Thornton also urged for a life-cycle assessment to be conducted to determine the optimal strategy for supermarkets and other retailers concerning recyclable bags.

‘A couple of markets I go to, you can borrow a bag, but only if you return it the next time you go. It's almost sort of like a bag library,’ he shared.

He also said it would also be 'very interesting' to find out how much profit supermarket giants–Coles and Woolworths–are making by outsourcing the manufacturing of paper bags overseas.

So, next time you're at the checkout, consider your bag options carefully.

And remember, if you choose a paper bag, handle it with care and don't overload it!

You can also try other ways of carrying your groceries like this one trick shared by another ALDI shopper where she used a laundry basket to carry hers. You can read more details about it here.

Key Takeaways
  • An ALDI customer was frustrated after their paper shopping bag tore, causing their groceries to spill out onto the driveway.
  • Social media users debated who was to blame, with some suggesting it was due to user error or overloading the paper bag.
  • Dr Trevor Thornton from Deakin University commented on the environmental impact of paper bags and the need for supermarkets to reassess their approach to recyclable bags.
  • Dr Thornton also suggested that a life-cycle analysis should be done to determine the best option for supermarkets regarding carry bags, mentioning the concept of a 'bag library'.

What's your take on this issue, dear readers? Have you had a similar experience with paper bags? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
 
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I feel her pain but it was her fault for putting items such as pasta salad and cheese from the dairy cabinet in the bottom of the bag which will, of course have condensation on them causing moisture against paper bags. Of course the bag will collapse as they're not really conducive with wet goods, it's not rocket science
Elementary my dear Skeeta22.......
 
There is enough plastic going into landfill to cover probably over half of Australia. One can purchase cloth bags and remember to take them to the supermarket. They do get a bit dirty, but I wash mine on a regular basis. They last for a long time. Though years ago we used to have paper bags, or otherwise the Grocer would pack in a box. Also Hemp bags can be obtained which last longer than paper ones and are better for the environment.
 
There are a varity of bags on the market. Buy better ones and take them into the shop with you and stop bitching over such trivial crap. Problen solved. Use your effin brains for a change. Karens are on the rise. Look out.
 
The paper bags are only meant for a few items not a heap of groceries but how long now have we taken our own bags we know the paper bags are weak but pile thins in to breaking point and wonder why buy a stronger reusable bag at least you can use it again and again leave a few in the car The paper bags are paper they will tear there’s about 8 kilos of weight in picture what do you expect
Totally agree - she packed the bag - not Aldi's fault. Common sense missing from this story
 
And now we buy our bin bags and put it through the same checkout!!
Yes go figure - I have stated from the beginning of this plastic argument - I wonder where Planet Ark get their funding from - Glad Bags perhaps? We now support the plastic bin liner companies by buying their liners instead of recycling the plastic grocery bags!
 
How are jute, paper and cotton bags any better than plastic for the environment? Sure the plastic may not break down (recycled ones do disintegrate) but trees have to be cut down to make paper, land has to be cleared to plant cotton, jute etc. All forms need diesel to power the cultivation or clearing etc so fossil fuel is again being used. The manufacturing process also uses power, fossil fuels etc, to turn the raw product into useable bags. Don't even consider the carbon miles racked up by importing these products from China/India/Bangladesh. My heavens I am getting a headache from this heavy issue and all because some silly bugger doesn't know how to pack a paper bag!
 
I feel her pain but it was her fault for putting items such as pasta salad and cheese from the dairy cabinet in the bottom of the bag which will, of course have condensation on them causing moisture against paper bags. Of course the bag will collapse as they're not really conducive with wet goods, it's not rocket science
Do the bags specify how much weight they can carry and as someone has already stated what are the handles for if you have to hold the bag from underneath?
 
There are a varity of bags on the market. Buy better ones and take them into the shop with you and stop bitching over such trivial crap. Problen solved. Use your effin brains for a change. Karens are on the rise. Look out.
No need for nastiness. You have a very low threshold of annoyance same as original poster
 

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