I write my column to help educate my readers on smart shopping strategies, how to get the most for their hard-earned dollar. But, as I'm often reminded, education is a two-way street. I also learn from them. Positive comments from readers like the ones below have helped me change some of my shopping habits.

David Lurie of Niskayuna, N.Y., recently responded to the column I wrote where I compared the merits of using plastic or paper grocery bags: "Stephanie, I enjoyed your recent column discussion over plastic or paper bags. The options, however, are incomplete. At our local independent market, Niskayuna Consumers' Co-op market, there is a choice of cloth bags. In fact, they sell the bags for a modest price, and they are great bags, with wide bottoms and heavy-duty handles. I see several shoppers bringing them when they shop. While we are located in the heart of Price Chopper's home turf, there are other options that really identify and satisfy the issue of keeping the plastic out of the waste stream, and at the same time, helping our merchants control their costs for bags. If we could convince other chains and markets to urge shoppers to use their cloth bags, we could make a serious dent in the problem.

"I do not see the issue as a 'save the consumer a penny or two,' but a redirection of our habits that will impact and reduce the cause of the problem. The bottom line is a cleaner and safer environment for everyone, and perhaps a savings the merchant can pass on in the form of lower prices."

Michael Harrington of Memphis, Tenn., had this to say: "Our local paper ran your story about using paper or plastic shopping bags at the grocery store this week. Plastic may be cheaper, but how often is a plastic bag filled to the brim? How often is a plastic bag doubled when carrying heavy items like canned goods? Which is easier to carry and stay upright and not spill in your car while driving home? I prefer paper because it can hold five or more of the plastic bags that cashiers never fill up plus, all the reasons I mentioned. A paper bag can be used for more things than a plastic bag. Plastic bags are smaller than paper bags. The cost comparison between paper and plastic needs to take into account how many plastic bags is the equivalent to one paper bag. And then you need to factor in that plastic bags are never filled completely."

Thanks. Now, when I am going to several stores at a time or buying small items, I make a conscious effort to say, "No thank you, I do not need a bag." If the checkers move faster than I can speak, I simply take the item out of the bag and give it back to them explaining that I am trying not to be so wasteful with shopping bags. I enjoy observing their reactions, which is usually a confused look followed by an appreciative smile. We all win when we conserve shopping bags, and the store saves money too. Imagine how many shopping bags would be saved in a week's time if more shoppers took this simple approach? No recycling would be needed, saving even more time and energy.

Since we're on the subject, how about all of those plastic bags that the daily newspaper comes in? When you think of the number of papers that are delivered each day, those small bags probably really add up in landfills. It never occurred to me to be concerned about recycling those until I read a clever tip in the Dollar Stretcher e-mail newsletter at Stretcher.com. They suggest rather than buying packing materials for mailing, you can blow up those newspaper bags and tie them with a knot. Packing the contents of your box with air-filled bags is similar to the technique that many mail order companies use, at no cost and adding virtually no extra mailing weight.

Stephanie Nelson shares her savings tips as a regular contributor on ABC News' "Good Morning America." You can find more of her savings tips in her book "The Greatest Secrets of the Coupon Mom" and on her website at www.couponmom.com. She can be reached at shoppingmom@unitedmedia.com.