Abandoned shopping carts at the Bridgeport Plaza in Waterloo, Ont, June, 7, 2024 (Spencer Turcotte / CTV New)



Returning shopping carts might seem like a simple courtesy to some, but to others, it feels like an unnecessary chore. A recent TikTok video by a California mom, Leslie Dobson, has reignited the conversation about the dos and don'ts of cart etiquette. Dobson's video, expressing her reluctance to return carts due to safety concerns for her children, has garnered significant attention, with nearly 12 million views in just over a week. This has prompted discussions among shoppers, both locally and online, regarding their perspectives on this issue.

Opinions at Bridgeport Plaza in Waterloo vary. While some shoppers like Dante believe that leaving carts within the company's property is acceptable, others like Heather Wdowiak emphasize the importance of returning carts to avoid environmental pollution and reduce costs for grocery stores. Ann Goodale also advocates for cart return, viewing it as a matter of respect for others.

The debate extends to the so-called "Shopping Cart Theory," circulating online for a few years. This theory suggests that one's character can be judged based on their cart habits – returning carts signifies being a good person, while abandoning them implies the opposite. However, psychotherapist Ann Marie Gaudon dismisses this theory, highlighting the complexity of human decision-making influenced by various factors such as mental health and physical capabilities.

Local regulations, like the City of Kitchener's Shopping Cart Bylaw enacted in 2017, aim to address this issue. Businesses are obligated to ensure proper collection and management of shopping carts, with potential fines of up to $10,000 for non-compliance. While such regulations attempt to promote responsible cart handling, Gaudon stresses the importance of avoiding judgment based on this behavior, emphasizing that individuals are capable of both positive and negative actions.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Trans Day Of Visibility Honors Hamilton Woman Who Died In 2003

March 31 marks International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to honor transgender individuals and raise awareness of the challenges....

Harper Beckham Dazzles With Blonde Hair At David Beckham's 50th Birthday Bash

Harper Beckham turned heads during her father David Beckham's 50th birthday celebration in Miami. The 13-year-old stole the spotlight in....

Luxury $2.8M Muskoka Cottage Available In Home Lottery Draw

Time is running out to grab your chance at owning a luxurious Muskoka cottage while helping fund vital cancer research.....

H&M To Use AI Clones of Models, Raising Industry Concerns

Global fashion retailer H&M plans to create digital versions of its models this year, sparking fresh concerns about the impact....

Rare $100M Coin Collection, Hidden For Decades, Going To Auction

A massive coin collection, hidden underground for over 50 years, is heading to auction and is expected to sell for....

Naomi Watts And Her Canine Co-Star Steal The Show In Style

Naomi Watts made a memorable entrance at the New York premiere of The Friend, but she wasn’t alone. The actress....

5 GTA Coworkers Celebrate $60M Lotto Max Jackpot Win

Five coworkers from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are celebrating after winning a massive $60 million Lotto Max jackpot. The....

Murphy, the bald eagle famous for nesting a rock, dies in Missouri storm

Murphy, a bald eagle loved by many for treating a rock like his own egg, has died after severe storms....

Meghan Markle Launches Online Store with Her Fashion Favorites

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has introduced a new online store where fans can shop her favorite clothing, accessories, and....

Katie Holmes stuns in a chic and classy bodycon dress

Katie Holmes made a stylish appearance on Thursday evening at a high-profile fashion party. She attended the celebration of Printemps,....

Calvin Klein turns up the heat, while Mugler goes bold and surreal

Model Alex Consani is making waves again. After being featured on a major magazine's April cover, she is now part....

Order of Canada honoree confuses $25M lottery win for $25K

Charley Coffey, an 81-year-old retiree from Toronto, recently won a massive $25 million Lotto Max jackpot from the January 31,....