Saving money at retail stores--without clipping coupons

For a while now I've been saving money without having to clip coupons. The basis of conserving is that you are saving resources. Well, when I visit my local coffee shops or go grocery shopping, I plan ahead and bring my own mugs and bags - saving me money.

Quite a few retail outlets are offering money off your purchase if you bring in your own resources. When I visit coffee and bagel shops, I bring my own travel mug and fill it up with my favorite house blend. I recently went to Starbucks to warm up one afternoon and received ten-cents off my purchase, just for using my own mug. I've noticed that quite a few stores will credit your purchase if you use your mug - Panera and Einstein Brothers Bagels are some other stores I know of. I've found that the discount for bringing your mug may be credited as money off your purchase or rung up as a 'refill' purchase, which is still cheaper than the normal beverage price.

The other place to save money without coupon clipping is the grocery store. Instead of answering the question "Paper of Plastic?" I say "neither" and hand over my own bags.

Kroger offers a ten-cents "buy back" rebate for each bag you bring in. A local grocer in Virginia, Ukrops, also offers this discount. I'm sure other grocers do as well, but these are the stores I patronize.

I've managed to collect quite a few mugs and bags - all sporting my favorite causes or just cool designs. You can do the same. Also, it never hurts to ask retailers if they offer a discount or gently remind the cashier that you are conserving resources by bringing in your own mug or bag.

If anyone knows of stores they patronize that also offer cash back rebates, we'd love to hear about it.