Can anyone of Chinese heritage tell me why old Chinese grandmas put EVERY SINGLE item in a plastic bag when grocery shopping? Not just fruits and veggies, but things already in packaging. Bread, cereal boxes, milk cartons, candy. Every single item in it's own plastic bag. And then they refuse paper bags and walk out carrying 75 little blue plastic bags?
Why? Why do they do this?
Sounds like they take it to use for something later at home. Maybe they use them as bin bags?
THIS! Older Chinese grew up during periods of economic hardship, rationing, etc. probably developing "gather/reuse" habits from scarcity.
Plastic bags are free and useful at home (trash bins, storing leftovers, carrying lunches, raincover...).
Why put many things in one bag if you can get many bags for free instead?