Yes, there is a patent. Specifically, IBM holds a patent on card reading technology that stores a holders preference and displays it at cash points in stores. I personally think that having at least four words pass between a shopper and a cashier is a good thing, and we don’t need any technology to alleviate us of that onerous task.

I am given plastic bags occasionally. As often as possible, I tell the vendor that I do not want one. I have to confess that social awkwardness prevents me from doing so. I still have a small number of tasks that involve reusing plastic bags. My neighbor was happy to receive my compost for his fields and he specifically requested that it be placed in a plastic bag before being tossed over the wall.