> Here in the NL, plastic bags are an extra charge (at least where I shop), it costs just a tiny bit extra to get nice reusable ones or bring your own - you can return most other single use plastics — like bottled water — and get your money back.

It's the same in the UK at the supermarket, but then in the same shop I can buy a packet of chocolates in a plastic bag of their own, with each individual chocolate wrapped.

Same for other goods: I bought a new lamp, it came in a box with styrofoam, plastic wrapping around each individual component, a plastic cover over the plug, temporary plastic clips to hold the cable together.

The bastard material is just everywhere.