Justis - your dog should have taught you to 'live in the moment' and concentrate on the moment!
My neighbour gave me a really cute Christmas present, which I thought nothing of at the time. Once I know where to get it, I'll let you know. In essence it is made from strong material (a bit like parachute silk), which has a plastic base, but it folds up real neat and real small. You could even put it in a back pocket - I keep mine in my handbag. When opened it is a sizeable shopping bag and it is also strong.
So; You need a bag you can fold up very small and keep in one of your back pockets permanently, so you don't even need to think about it, when the shopping urge grabs you.
We'll all learn quickly - they've had a plastic bag ban in many shops already - Officeworks for example, IKEA, RedDot etc. and have had it for years in the Eastern States, so we'll get used to it also. I have also noted that there seem to be more people around, carrying backpacks.
