Brands asking us to buy paper bags aren't the monsters you think they are.

Sought after celebrity makeup artist Babar Zaheer shared on Thursday a story on his Instagram account, expressing his displeasure that fashion brand Cross Stitch was charging customers for paper bags.

His story was then shared as a post by Diva Magazine's Instagram account, and the audience had much to say about it in the comment section.

Many pointed out that it isn't just Cross Stitch that's doing this - it's becoming a retail industry-wide practice.

There were debates on which brand started this 'trend' in Pakistan and a large section of the commenters seemed to consider it a money-making gimmick by the brands to 'rob' customers by first charging exorbitant amounts for their products and then topping that up with a surcharge for shopping bags.

Some suggested that this represented a lack of courtesy. They said it was better to carry your purchase in your hands rather than paying for the paper bag. Because, of course, after paying thousands for an outfit, paying Rs30 for a bag is treachery.

Angry commenters felt any fast-fashion house that 'influences' other brands to also charge for bags is akin to a dirty fish dirtying the rest of their aquatic companions. Therefore, according to some, charging for a paper bag is a 'dirty' business practice.

Some people were not happy with the only viable option remaining - carrying clothing or grocery items in your hands. Understandably, that would be quite a juggling act, and a sight to behold, carrying potatoes and onions in the two hands humankind is blessed with.

If we saw customers carrying grocery items on their heads it would make for quite a funny spectacle.

Some people also went as far as asking why they should pay a business Rs30 for a bag when the same money could instead be given to a 'poor orphan' begging on the streets. It is heartwarming to see how much shoppers care about those who are not as blessed as them.

Among a sea of startling comments that showed a dire lack of knowledge about the environment among the general Pakistani public, there was someone (may God bless their soul) who asked a very pertinent question, albeit sarcastically:

The answer is YES. The idea is exactly that. Bring your own bag, for the Earth's sake!

As this sensible person (who I'd like to thank for comment, the likes of which were difficult to find in the comments section) pointed out - the idea here is to promote bringing your own reusable bag from home, not for brands to trick you into paying them more.

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