There are few things more maddening than pulling into what appears to be a vacant parking spot only to discover some nincompoop abandoned their cart there. 

I ran across this short article on the Shopping Cart Theory the other day. It provides food for thought. 

The shopping cart is the ultimate litmus test for whether a person is capable of self-governing. (I love the term self-governing)

To return the shopping cart is an easy, convenient task and one which we all recognize as the correct, appropriate thing to do.  To return the shopping cart is objectively right.  There are no situations other than dire emergencies in which a person is not able to return their cart.  Simultaneously, it is not illegal to abandon your shopping cart.  Therefore the shopping cart presents itself as the apex example of whether a person will do what is right without being forced to do it.  No one will punish you for not returning he shopping cart, no  one will fine you or kill you for not returning the shopping cart, you gain nothing by returning the shopping cart.  You must return the shopping cart out of the goodness of your own heart.  You must return the shopping cart because it is the right thing to do.  Because it is correct.

The Shopping Cart is what determines whether a person is a good or bad member of society. 

I think the conclusion is a bit harsh, I’m not  sure these people are bad, but:  inconsiderate,  self centered, spoiled, thoughtless,  rude, operating under the misconception they are special. But that’s just my rant.

The places I shop all have cart corrals at strategic places around the parking lot.  I like to think of returning the cart as part of an exercise program, add a few steps, your Fitbit will thank you. 

The comments section is open, your thoughts?

  

4 replies
  1. Randy Cross
    Randy Cross says:

    We are fortunate that US stores don’t follow the lead of some stores in Europe that require a refundable deposit (euro) before using a cart. That can be inconvenience for those of us who routinely return the carts.

    • Carrie Bonello
      Carrie Bonello says:

      You are so right! that would be annoying when we are going to do the ‘right’ thing without prompting.

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