It's been a year since the global ban on plastic bags. The only people who still have them are hoarders, upcyclers, clean freaks and seniors. The world is a different place. Plastic bags are frowned upon but many folks can't stomach the rising costs...
Her name was Simone. I met her at the Bag & Save. I was hanging around by the exit when she started dropping cans on her way out the door. A single tear escaped from her eye as she cursed the bag ban.
I ran over ready to bag her, "hey, let me help you with this."
She looked at me unsure about my motives and said, "Uh sure. Okay."
There was a gang in town buying up all of the totes and reselling them at an astronomical price. I had heard of people paying $50 and even $60 for a bag that originally only cost $10. My parents told me that these same bags reusable bags used to only cost a buck or two at the checkout and people used to throw them out! Crazy right?!
I reached inside my pocket and pulled out two plastic bags. They were the old familiar ones with the iconic yellow happy face. Pal-Mart.
She grabbed my arm and forced it down as she feverishly looked around. "Where did you get those?"
"I have an endless supply", I said. "Do you want a couple?"
She smiled and put her hand out, "Simone" she said. "I - I'm a teacher. Just on my way home and I forgot my bags. Good role model huh?"
I smiled back. "I'm Ari. I help people in need."
Simone gave me my first $10 without me even asking. I gave her my plain white business card that simply said "The Plastic Pusher" with my number on it.
"Call me if you need me", I winked.
"I will", she said. "You've been really helpful, thanks."
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