Tree Huggers & Plastic Bags

I am far from a tree hugger, but i often wonder why convenience stores and the like put a simple six pack of beer or wine in a plastic bag. most of the bags are translucent anyway. the tree hugger bunch want to charge per bag use in some states i hear in order to reduce the usage and encourage more people to bring canvas bags etc....
do we use too many plastic bags? well duhhhhhhh yes. you go to a grocery store and you'd think the baggers are paid by the bags packed rather than by the hour. last time i went to krogers, i counted 26 plastic bags and my total order was 75 - 80 items you do the math. we can reduce plastic bag consumption by 20% (my guess) by not bagging a simple six pack