Trailblazing Past

Other cities have learned, adapted and improved on San Francisco's model. Many bans now enacted in other cities include all or at least most retailers, not just large grocery stores and pharmacies, and just about all bans also impose a fee or tax to use paper bags. The folks of San Fran realized their ban was not as thorough as some of the more recent bans, so they are at it again. A new proposal was recently voted into law, and starting in October of this year plastic bags will also be banned at restaurants, gift shops, hardware stores, boutiques, and other retailers. All stores covered by the ban that give out other types of bags, such as paper bags, as a substitute must charge a 10-cent fee per bag. Stores are allowed to keep this fee as revenue. The hope with this proposal is the same as with the original ban, to encourage people to use reusable shopping bags. Extending the ban to other stores and businesses is intended to further reduce plastic bag consumption. Since fewer bags are being used they will not end up in landfills, clog drainage systems or pose harm to wildlife. If the demand for plastic bags goes down than over time fewer should be made so the problem of plastic bags should not continue to get larger.

Encouraging Reusable Shopping Bags

Per Mayor Ed Lee, "The intent was never to nickel or dime anybody, but if it takes 10 cents to remind somebody that their habits are in their control, I think that's something we're willing to consider doing." Some business owners fail to agree with the Mayor on this point. Small shops that cater largely to tourists have spoken up to explain that their customers may be turned off by the ban and fee. Out-of-towners may not think to carry reusable bags as they sight see and while the 10 cent fee is not an exorbitant price it may be just enough to discourage tourists from picking up souvenirs. Shop owners feel the ban is good for stores that primarily serve locals and the fee will help people who routinely shop in the city to remember to bring their reusable bags. Regardless, the City is serious about protecting the environment and banning bags, so the proposal will move forward. Stores that violate the ban will pay fines ($100 for the first offense, $200 for the second infraction, and $500 for each additional offense). Staff from the Department of the Environment and elected officials have been meeting and working with small store owners to help prepare them for the transition and the Mayor promised that education would be emphasized over enforcement in the beginning. The administration is also open to modifications to the law if necessary.

Even though San Francisco was one of the first cities to ban plastic bags they are showing that there is still more work to be done. Laws and practices constantly evolve and the city is once again a trendsetter by adapting what was at the time a great law to be a better fit for today's world. Simply placing the initial ban several years ago was not the end of the issue. The City of San Francisco should continue to serve as a model and inspiration as they strive to fine-tune and perfect their ban.

For more on this story check out http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/06/BAR81N3QFJ.DTL and http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/san-francisco-expands-plastic-bag-ban-mayor-expresses-support-for-proposal/2012/02/08/gIQAV6CCyQ_story.html.

IKEA Encourages Customers to Bring Reusable Bags

IKEA, the Swedish home goods giant, began charging a fee to customers who used plastic bags back in 2007. This fee was designed to discourage the use of disposable bags and limit their environmental impact. Shoppers are encouraged to carry their items without a bag, purchase a disposable bag for a fee, or use reusable shopping bags. IKEA stores in the United States donated the money collected from the fee imposed on plastic bags to American Forests, the nation's oldest citizen's conservation group.  At the same time IKEA also set steep goals to increase their recycling efforts. The fee program was such a wild success IKEA UK chose to forgo the fee and implemented a bag ban. In addition to plastic bags the chain has also dramatically increased the amount of materials they recycle. Environmental issues are near and dear to IKEA so along with their efforts to reduce plastic bag use, the Swedish chain has changed up their packaging to limit waste. Some items, like small decorative pieces do not feature any packaging, while efforts have been made to streamline the packaging for larger items, such as furniture.

Fred Meyers Opts for Reusable Shopping Bags

Fred Meyers in Portland Oregon decide to take the leap instead of waiting for the inevitable. The City of Portland passed a plastic bag ban that began in October 2011. Prior to the ban becoming a law while the city was working out the details, Fred Meyers' stores in the Portland city limits decided to start the ban early and did away with plastic bags in August 2010. Per the megastore giant they wanted to test drive the ban before it was put into law, so they could work out any bugs and help get their customers and staff use to bringing and using reusable grocery bags. They welcomed customer feedback and by the time the ban was finalized and put into place the folks at Fred Meyers were well accustomed to a retail experience without plastic disposable bags.

Natural Grocers Starts Their Own Bag Ban

"We became impatient waiting for our stores' local municipalities and other retailers to recognize the impact of bags on the environment, so we took matters into our own hands," said Kemper Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. In April 2008 the store did away with plastic bags and they followed suit in 2009 by eliminating paper bags at the checkouts in their 36 stores throughout Colorado, Texas, Utah and New Mexico. On Earth Day in 2010 the chain estimated that they prevented 13 million plastic and paper bags from being tossed in landfills or littering waterways and other ecosystems over the previous year. Natural Grocers encourages their shoppers to bring reusable grocery bags, although they do provide leftover cardboard boxes for customers to carry their goods home. The store claims no major issues and that their customers enjoy and fully support the policy.

Bag bans are popping up all over the place and each city, county, or even state has their own rules and guidelines, so it was very proactive of a chain like Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage to implement their own ban. Now if any of their stores are in a jurisdiction that implements a bag ban going forward, Natural Grocers can avoid the headache of adapting to fit the law because they are ahead of the curve. Portland's Fred Meyers were on that track when they executed their ban. It was only a matter of time before the City of Portland imposed a bag ban so instead of waiting for the law to be written, revised, and finally passed, they just cut to the chase and said goodbye to plastic bags in favor of reusable shopping bags. IKEA's motives were more environmentally focused and not so much in response to any bans or laws, but the end result has been the same. Customers still shop no matter what they use to carry their goods home, but when they opt to carry reusable bags they help the environment and save money for both themselves and the stores where they shop.

Check out http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031501921_2.html for more info on IKEA's efforts. Go to http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/10/plastic_bag_ban_portland_store.html and http://www.fredmeyermedia.com/pdfs/ReusableBag_FB.pdf for info about the City of Portland and Fred Meyers' ban. To learn more about Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage go to http://www.naturalgrocers.com/store-info/bag-free-checkout.

There is no denying the many merits of reusable bags, from the environmental impact to the cost savings for both the stores that supply disposable bags and the municipalities that pick up litter. Reusable shopping bags definitely are a step in the right direction on many fronts, but they require some care and attention. If not properly cared for reusable bags can possibly nurture and spread bacteria. A few studies have been done on the issue and while the amounts of bacteria found were minimal, exposure is all it takes to become ill. Remember to bring your bags every time you go to the store and keep them clean.

Before you need to concern yourself with washing your reusable shopping bags you need to remember to use them. If you are new to reusable bags it can take a while to get into the habit of remembering to bring your bags to the store or market. To jog your memory try storing your bags by the front door or in your car to keep them handy when you go shopping, it may also be useful to keep a reusable bag or two in your desk at work in case you run to the store on your lunch break or after work. Write a reminder note to bring your bags on your shopping list or post a note someplace where you will see it, like on your refrigerator or your door. If you know you are going shopping at a specific time, like right after you get out of work, try programming a reminder in your phone or set your watch to beep at about the time you should arrive at the store. Bear in mind that it takes time to make a habit and everyone who uses reusable bags has had to make a run to their car at one point or another to grab their forgotten bags.

Decoding the Results

There have been a few studies on the health effects of reusable bags. One of the more publicized studies was conducted by the University of Arizona, Tucson and Loma Linda University in California. This study was partially funding by the American Chemistry Council, an organization that has been a vocal opponent of plastic bag bans. While the findings of this study are flawed due to the extremely small sample size and the questionable involvement of the most well-known anti-reusable bag group, the grain of usefulness that can be pulled from it is that bacteria are everywhere, including your reusable bags. This particular study found trace amounts of bacteria, including e. coli on the bags tested. The odds of you becoming ill from the bacteria on your reusable bags are not that great, but this is not something anyone should set out to test. Err on the side of caution and wash your reusable bags. Produce and meat carry bacteria and you should wash your bags for the same reason you wash produce and clean surfaces that come into contact with uncooked meat.

Cleaning your Reusable Bags

Make sure to regularly clean your eco-friendly bags. Bacteria can grow on the bags, especially those that come into contact with produce and other raw foods. Also take care that juice from meat packaging can leak and be absorbed into the material. When these fluids and bacteria stew, say in the warm trunk of a car, they can potentially incubate dangerous strains of bacteria, such as e. coli and salmonella. Follow any washing instructions on the bag and if there are no directions base your care around the material. Cotton, hemp, jute, and polyester can usually go in the washing machine. If the material is loosely woven you may want to set the cycle to delicate or gentle. If your bag is screen-printed or dyed wash it by hand in warm soapy water. Polypropylene should be hand washed in cold water with antibacterial soap and line dried. You can toss your polypropylene or RPET bag in the washing machine, but make sure to use cold water and do not follow up with a spin in the dryer. Heat can possibly melt the material. Bear in mind that machine washing will limit the life of your polypropylene bag, so you may need to replace your bags more often if you clean with this method. Hand washing material constructed from recycled plastics definitely ensures that it lasts longer. When in doubt hand wash your bags. It may take a little bit longer but you will be sure to not damage your bags. Regular washing whether by hand or machine kills bacteria, giving you peace of mind.

Dedicated Reusable Bags

To further protect your family use dedicated bags for produce, meat, and dairy. Reusable grocery bags are designed to be big and durable. The idea is that you can pack more goods in each bag, so ultimately you will need fewer reusable bags to do the job. It can be tempting to toss as much as possible in a reusable bag, but try to group similar foods together and always use the same bag for each food group. You still need to clean your bags, but if you devote bags to specific food types you do not need to worry about cross contamination. So e. coli from lettuce you bought is not transferred to a box of cereal or the jar of tomato sauce you also picked up. It is common practice to wash produce, but you may not wash canned
Taking care of your reusable bags can be quick and easy and can save your family from germs and bacteria. The more you wash your bags the less chance there is of spreading bacteria. If you have the time to clean you bags after each use that's great, but if not try to set aside time one a week or maybe every other week to wash your bags.goods that if packed in the same bag as fruits, vegetables or meats can pick up germs and bacteria; and you cannot wash boxed items. Dedicated bags eliminate the chance of cross contamination. To keep your bags straight consider labeling each one so you remember which bag is for meats and which bag is for dairy and so on. Supermarket baggers make sure to divvy products up by type so learn from their example.

For more information on how to care for your reusable bags check out http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/aboutthebag/tips.cfm, http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/226710/, and http://news.consumerreports.org/safety/2010/07/can-reusable-grocery-bags-make-you-sick-or-is-that-just-baloney.html.

Previous council members had good intentions. Their goal was to reduce the amount of plastic bags dumped into the town's landfills, which are overflowing with non-biodegradable bags. Plastic bags have only been in existence for about 50 years, so no one is really sure how long it takes them to breakdown. Studies suggest it can take 99 years or longer. That is an awfully long time for plastic bags to just sit. The problem is not completely just that the bags are taking up space, but also that they can interfere with biodegradable waste from breaking down, to add insult to injury.

Rushed Law

In the case of Sioux Lookout the ban failed because it was rushed. The ban was voted in after months of deliberation and in this case that just was not enough time. There were too many outstanding issues that kept some residents and businesses from getting on board with the plan and ultimately that caused the downfall. What is even more noteworthy concerning the Sioux Lookout case is that a poll conducted prior to the ban indicated a majority of residents preferred reusable grocery bags to the disposable alternative. Despite this the ban just did not take. Other municipalities have successfully passed bans despite opposition, but they took the time necessary to iron out the details. There is no one-size-fits all approach to passing any type of law. What is necessary for one municipality may be excessive for another. In the cases of other cities and towns with bans they listened and responded to the opposition to fine-tune their law in order to set it up for success.

Reusable Shopping Bags Donated in Leaf Rapids

An example of a success story is Leaf Rapids, Manitoba, Sioux Lookout's northern neighbor. Leaf Rapids owns the distinction of being the first North American city to ban plastic disposable bags as of March 22, 2007. Leaf Rapids took a very unique approach to making plastic bags history in their town. The Council purchased reusable shopping bags from the Leaf Rapids Consumers Co-Operative store and received additional bags from donations. Local officials in turn donated 5 bags to every household in town under the condition that the residents use these bags when they shop. If they did not use the bags they would have to pay $0.03 for each disposable plastic bag used to pack their groceries. The program has been a tremendous success and officials from Leaf Rapids claim no one has violated the law, which calls for fines imposed against stores that hand out plastic bags. Today if someone forgets their reusable bags stores will pack their goods in paper bags, which residents are quick to recycle.

Leaf Rapids had a unique advantage of being such a small town; when major cities and metropolitan areas, like San Francisco and Los Angeles County, passed bag bans the idea of local municipalities donating reusable bags to each and every household was just not an option. Leaf Rapids also had the good fortune of being on-board with the notion of a ban at the right time and they were able to secure outside help and donations to make the ban a success. Sioux Lookout on the other hand is not letting this setback stop them from moving forward. The mayor plans to work with the Council to step up recycling efforts in the city to help combat the plastic bag predicament. At this point in time there is no talk of revisiting the notion of a plastic bag ban. With any luck the residents of Sioux Lookout will hold the notoriety of being the only city to overturn their plastic bag ban, and hopefully in the meantime they continue to bring reusable grocery bags when they head to the store and increase their recycling efforts.

For more information about Sioux Lookout's ban check out http://www.chroniclejournal.com/content/news/local/2011/10/22/bag-ban-cancelled, http://www.tbnewswatch.com/news/170004/Sioux-Lookout-repeals-plastic-bag-ban, and http://thedrydenobserver.ca/2010/04/sioux-lookout-wants-to-ban-plastic-bags/.  To learn more about Leaf Rapids' ban go to http://www.townofleafrapids.ca/green_initiatives.htm#Banning Plastic Bags.

Plastic Bag Bans and Jobs

Manufacturing plastic bags is big business and banning disposable bags, or even charging a tax which severely limits plastic bag usage, will reduce demand. If there is no longer a demand for the product the companies that manufacturer disposable bags will lose business. This in turn can lead to layoffs and downsizing. Organizations that produce plastic bags and oil companies are quick to play the job loss card in anti-ban campaigns they stage in areas contemplating a ban because they want to continue to bank on the average American using 300 – 700 plastic bags a year. Creating a stir that banning bags will cause people to lose jobs is a ploy designed to squash the ban and preserve their business. The hope is that people will value these jobs over the negative aspects of plastic bags, like the toll they take on the environment. The reality is that bans may cause jobs manufacturing plastic bags to diminish, but there will be increased demand of reusable bags that will create new manufacturing jobs. These news jobs will offset the loss of other jobs. People really need to take a hard look at the cost of plastic manufacturing jobs. Is it worth keeping those jobs around if the consequences outweigh the advantages?

Hidden Costs of Disposable Bags

Despite everyone's best intentions a percentage of the plastic bags created will end up as litter. Millions of dollars of tax payer's money is spent cleaning up this litter. CalTrans, the government organization responsible for California's roadways, reportedly spends about $50 million a year cleaning up litter on the Golden State's freeways. This work is in addition to the efforts exerted by volunteers and organizations, such as adopt-a-highway, that attempt to clean up the mess. Sadly, if it were not for these volunteer groups the bill to cleanup California's freeways would be even higher. When municipalities have to invest time and money cleaning up litter that means they may have to pull resources from other areas or they will have less manpower and/or money to dedicate to other endeavors, like public transportation, schools, or social services. It is not just governments that feel the crush. Good Samaritans and volunteers who pick up roadside trash and pluck discarded bags out of rivers and streams could find other causes to support and give their valuable time to if there was no rubbish and debris, which largely consists of plastic bags, to pick up.

In addition to the obvious cost of litter that comes from picking it up, litter also prevents money from coming in. Cast off plastic bags tumbling down streets can cause property values to plummet. When a once thriving neighborhood is buried in trash people who live there lose a sense of pride and community, this can make it difficult to sell homes in the area and it may even lead to increased crime.  Revenue from tourism is also shot when litter gets out of hand. Clearly banning plastic bags will not turn neighborhoods around and the amount of litter is not directly proportional to the level of crime; however, plastic bags contribute to litter and over time litter can begin to tear down a neighborhood.

Reusable Shopping Bags as an Alternative

There is some upbeat data concerning plastic bag bans. Most shoppers take the plastic bags that are handed out at the checkout line for granted. The stores that buy these bags for their customers do not. The expense of buying plastic disposable bags is factored into the prices of goods sold in the store and customers ultimately pay for the bags. Stores such as Whole Foods, Kroger, and Giant give a credit to customers who bring a reusable grocery bag. The logic is simple, if the customer is not going to use the plastic bag the store already charged them for than they give the customer a break and credit the final bill. It depends on the store, but shoppers can save 3 to 10 cents for each reusable bag they use. Overtime the pennies and nickels saved by bringing reusable bags to the checkout add up and will cover the cost of purchasing the reusable bags; after that the bags can save you money at the supermarket. When a ban is put into place store owners no longer need to buy disposable bags so instead of giving a credit to pack your groceries in reusable bags the store may lower prices. The decrease will be slight, but overtime it can add up and allow your grocery budget to stretch a little further.

There is a long road ahead of the Sleepy Hollow students, but they are focused and know what they want to achieve. They also know they need to arm themselves with knowledge about the impact plastic bags have on their local level and the global society. It is really great and inspiring to see students taking an active role in banning disposable plastic bags. If they can change policy today than they will be ready to tackle even bigger issues tomorrow.

For more info about the students of Sleepy Hollow and their efforts read http://www.thedailytarrytown.com/news/tarrytown-students-want-plastic-bag-ban-be-law. To learn more about CalTrans check out http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/paffairs/news/pressrel/10pr17.htm.

Environmental Impacts of Paper Bags

The unfortunate reality is that paper bags are not much better for the environment than plastic. It takes roughly 14 million trees to make enough paper bags to meet the demand in the U.S. Paper bags have a 2-fold impact on the environment. First, trees are cut down to make the paper. Living trees absorb greenhouse gases, so cutting trees down for something as frivolous as a paper bag increases the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Second, manufacturing paper bags requires some toxic chemicals that in turn cause air and water pollution. What is really mind blowing is that when you run the numbers paper bags actually take more of an environmental toll than plastic bags. When compared to plastic bags the manufacturing process for paper bags requires four times as much energy, creates 50 times more water pollutants, and 70% more air pollutants. To top it off, it requires 98% more energy to recycle paper bags than it does to recycle plastic bags. The saving grace of paper bags is that the recycling rate is higher, largely due to the fact that most curbside recycling efforts accept paper. Nearly a ton of recycled paper creates about a ton of new paper, whereas 2-3 tons of virgin materials are needed to make virgin paper. The drawback to recycled paper is that it is not as strong, so paper bags constructed from recycled materials will not hold up as well as ones made from virgin paper, and paper can only be recycled about five or seven times before the fibers are too short and it just cannot be used again. Paper bags are also biodegradable, making them great compost. Vegetable-based inks completely break down whereas other types of ink may prevent the bag from being entirely biodegradable.

The only leverage paper bags have over plastic is that they are more likely to be recycled and if they end up as litter they can breakdown over time and do not pose as serious of a health risk to animals if consumed. If more people were aware of just how un-environmentally friendly paper bags are they would be banned along with plastic bags instead of being slapped with a usage fee. The only true eco-friendly solution is reusable shopping bags. Disposable bags whether paper or plastic cause too much harm to the environment. Reusable grocery bags are made from recycled or renewable materials and can deliver several years of service. Best case scenario you may get two or three uses out of a disposable bag. Manufacturing reusable bags from recycled plastics creates a long-term use and function for materials that may otherwise sit in a landfill.

Truly Eco-Friendly Reusable Bags

There are amazing reusable bags available today made from renewable materials like bamboo. A well-made bamboo bag can hang in there for several years and the environmental impacts are almost non-existent. Bamboo grows very quickly and absorbs a large amount of greenhouse gases as it grows, making it the poster child for environmentally friendly materials. It is very durable, but nothing lasts forever so when the day comes that your reusable bamboo shopping bag needs to be replaced you can compost or recycle it, and start over with a new reusable bag.

Paper bags are not perceived as being as bad on the environment that they really are, which is unfortunate. Levying a usage charge against paper bags is a start towards getting more people off paper and onto reusable bags, but banning paper along with plastic may be a better solution. What are your thoughts?

For more facts on paper bags check out http://www.ehow.com/about_5079972_paper-bags.html  and http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/paper/faqs.htm#use.

India's Poorly Enforced Ban

The Delhi government in India passed a ban on plastic bags that began in January 2009. Their story was the same story that has played out in countless U.S. cities. Environmentalists claim the abundance of bags creates a litter crisis. This litter clogs drains, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitos. India is a country that struggles with poverty, and cramped living conditions coupled with an environment that encourages the spread of disease can lead to public health issues on a massive level. On paper the Delhi ban called to put an end to the production, storage, distribution, and use of plastic bags. The law mandated that biodegradable plastic bags with a minimum thickness of 40 microns are all that is to be allowed in residential areas. Not adhering to these rules can result in fines and possibly jail time. Three years after the ban was put into place many shops still give their customers plastic bags. The logic is cyclical: store owners claim that their competitors continue to give out bags and customers flock to these stores for the convenience, so in order to maintain business they must give their customers disposable bags to carry their goods home. Residents say the law is not enforced and people continue to manufacture and use disposable plastic bags. Some stores and individuals choose not to use disposable bags and stick to reusable cotton bags or bags constructed from other materials. It is unfortunate that the law banning plastic bags is not enforced and the litter and health issues this ban would resolve continue to plague the people of Delhi. For more information on India's ban go to http://www.deccanherald.com/content/219994/shoppers-retailers-still-use-plastic.html.

EU Considers Advantages of Reusable Bags

The European Commission is mulling over a possible ban across the entire European Union. Several countries within the EU already have bans in place or have considered bans. Many European countries do not have a ban, but a fee or tax is charged to customers who use disposable bags, thus encouraging customers to bring reusable grocery bags when they head to the market. Ireland began charging a plastic bag tax in 2002. Some studies have shown that use of plastic bags dropped 90% in response to the tax. Many supporters consider Ireland a model of success and look to mimic their system. Litter was a main motivator for Ireland and is also the primary reason most of Europe backs this movement, especially the negative effect of litter in marine environments. There is a lot of support for banning plastic bags in many EU countries and right now the European Commission is navigating the political waters in regards to how they can implement a ban or a tax on bags. In the meantime individual countries are considering their own options. For more information on the possible EU ban check out http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2012/january/ngos-push-for-eu-plastic-bag-ban/73225.aspx.

Australia's Success Story

In 2009 South Australia put an end to the use of plastic shopping bags. It is estimated that there are 400 million fewer bags in South Australia each year as a result of the ban. South Australia is now leading by example and offering the help the rest of the nation go plastic bag free. What is unique about the southern Aussie approach was that the government worked with retailers, unions, and other groups to design the ban. Care and consideration was taken to make the ban a smooth transition. In other areas where bans have been put into action retailers are usually forces opposed to the ban. By bringing this group into the fold 3 years before the ban was implemented, South Australia has created a success story. To see how South Australia made their ban happen check out http://www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/plastic-bags. Shoppers from the Northern Territory got on board with the notion of living free from plastic bags and employed their own ban in September of 2011. The environmental implications were the primary issue for the ban. Plastic bags pose serious health risks to marine life. When animals eat plastic bags and other pieces of litter the trash can become lodged and tangled in their digestive system, causing them to die an agonizing and painful death. Removing one-time use plastic bags from the equation lowers the chance of this happening for the short term with the long-term goal of preventing this altogether.

The Virtues of Reusable Shopping Bags

Many groups look at bag bans as a violation of free will and a sneaky move by local governments to charge additional taxes. Consumers who fight or oppose the bans claim that they re-use plastic bags so they are not littering or causing harm to the environment. When plastic bags are used as garbage bags they still end up in garbage dumps. They still collect standing water and they still do not break down in a safe or efficient manner. As long as disposable plastic bags exist there will be litter and the ensuing health issues for both people and animals will continue to mount. Reusable shopping bags save shoppers from paying a tax or fee and are cheaper over the long term. The benefits of reusable bags outweigh the inconvenience of needing to remember to bring the bags when you go shopping and periodically cleaning the bags. It is unfortunate that it has come to enacting laws to protect the health of the environment, wildlife, and even people. It is sad that more people do not choose reusable bags in lieu of plastic bags on their own accord and the governments need to step in to make this happen. Regardless, the positive impact of life without plastic bags is taking root. Communities are cleaner, nicer places to live and wildlife is not put in harm's way.

What is sometimes overlooked is the marketing advantage of reusable bags. When a company imprints their logo on the side of a reusable shopping bag this increases their visibility and brand recognition. The bags may be intended to carry groceries home, but the opportunities to use them are endless. Customers, or rather your unofficial mobile advertising team, may use your bag to carry their lunch to work, or papers home from the office, or use it as a gym or beach bag. Students may use it as a school bag or kids can even use it when they head to a friend's house for a sleepover. A customized reusable bag is a constant marketing tool that people bring into their homes and the places they work and play, and your logo can be put on display the whole time. Aside from getting your logo or a specific branding point noticed, reusable bags also send a more subtle message. They let people know that your company is aware of the environmental hazards of plastic bags and that you are willing to do something about it. Your company is an environmental ally. Even the material your bag is made from can make a statement. RPET bags are made from recycled plastic bottles while bamboo and jute bags are constructed from natural, renewable fibers.

Many consumers see plastic bag bans as a negative, but you can position your company to save the day and distribute eco-friendly reusable bags when shoppers are faced with paying a fee to use plastic bags or buying reusable bags. Taking care of your clients may establish a sense of loyalty and an appreciation for your company within pockets of people who oppose bag bans or those who do not have strong feelings on the issue. Those who already support environmental issues will value and welcome your company's decision to embrace reusable bags and promote sustainability. Either way, reusable bags can be a tremendous marketing tool that will get your company seen.

The topic of banning plastic bags is not going away anytime soon. This worldwide issue can be polarizing, but it can also be an environmental and promotional boon. As cities and countries across the globe grapple with the environmental effects of using plastics bags, and the political impact of banning disposable bags the worldwide community is still at risk and there will continue to be passionate discussions both for and against such bans. The health and environmental issues are many and the simple solution is reusable bags. Reusable bags can find a use for recycled materials and prevent the need and demand of new disposable bags. They are less likely to end up as litter and many reusable bags are biodegradable or recyclable, so we can learn and grow from our experiences with disposable plastic bags.

Madison already had a curbside recycling program in place so the decision was made to allow residents to dispose of their plastic bags in their curbside recycling bins. The guidelines are simple: most bags are included, such as grocery, retail, produce, and newspaper bags, as well as bread bags, food storage bags and other plastic bags marked as No. 2 or No. 4 plastic. Residents are being asked to place all of their bags inside a large bag and tie the exterior bag to ensure everything is contained. The city asks this in order to prevent the bags from becoming entangled in the sorting equipment once they are picked up, but it also serves to prevent loose bags from being carried off by the wind and blown away, creating litter.

Reusable Bags and Sustainability

Madison has a great track record of recycling plastic bags and they should serve as a model to other cities. Many cities focus on banning bags, which is a fantastic long-term goal, but upping efforts to recycle addresses the issue of what to do with the plastic bags already out there. The next logical step after successfully recycling plastic bags is making the switch to reusable shopping bags. Reusable bags are constructed to be more durable than the one-and-done bags grocers hand out, so there is a clear functional advantage since you can carry more goods in fewer bags. Reusable bags also come in a variety of materials, so you can find something that works to meet your needs or something that just speaks to you. For instance, jute is a renewable material that can create a bohemian-chic look and since the fibers are natural it can go back from whence it came. You can compost your bag when it becomes old and worn since the material is biodegradable. RPET bags on the other hand are made from recycled plastics. This sturdy material comes in a variety of finishes and can be imprinted with full-color graphics for an eye-catching look. The bags are also waterproof so they can contain spills or leaks and hold up on rainy days, unlike paper bags.

Reusable grocery bags are definitely a piece of the puzzle when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility regarding the environment. Just about everyone understands that plastic disposable bags are not the best call when it comes to the environment, some people feel motivated to take action on this while others do not. Simply making the switch from disposable to reusable bags is not enough. We cannot just turn our backs on the millions of plastic bags currently out there. They need to be disposed of properly, they need to be recycled. The beauty of recycling plastic bags is that they can come back as something better, something useful, like composite lumber, or pallets, or pipe.

The sad reality is that only a small fraction of the bags handed out end up being recycled, and if the bags are not recycled they can pose harm to the environment and wildlife. Madison is the exception because the current recycling efforts in most places are not enough. Madison's plan is so smart because it is so simple. They found a way to increase plastic bag recycling and along the way changed their plan to fit their needs and keep costs down. This program also reduces litter and helps the environment. For more information about Madison's recycling efforts, check out http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/documents/recyclopedia.pdf.

The Success of the Bottle Bill

The goal of these bottle bills is to reduce trash and encourage recycling. Keeping non-biodegradable bottles and cans out of landfills saves space for items that will safely break down over time, and allows bottles and cans to be recycled into useful products. By attaching a monetary value to empty cans and bottles it discourages people from littering. Unfortunately some people still litter, but there are also people who are all too willing to pick up that litter and turn it in for the deposit, thus showing the power of the program. Not only does this law discourage litter, it also
encourages people to pick up litter, at least specific types of litter. There have been a lot of studies conducted on these programs and it is believed that roadside litter is reduced between 30% and 64% in states with bottle deposit bills. New York State claims litter has been reduced by 75% and that 70-80% of all bottles and cans with a deposit sold are returned. Michigan claims to have a 100% return rate, although Michigan also offers a 10-cent deposit which is one of the highest. A hidden benefit of the bill is unclaimed deposits. Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, and Massachusetts use unclaimed deposits to fund environmental programs in their respective states. Hawaii uses unclaimed monies to help cover the cost of the program.

Since this program encourages and increases recycling there is more opportunity to create new products from recycled materials, products such as reusable water bottles and reusable shopping bags. Bags made from recycled plastic bottles are sturdy and water-proof, which are both really handy traits for grocery bags. RPET bags are designed to last for several years and they too can be recycled when they become worn, so you can keep the cycle going. The primary perk of reusable grocery bags is that they reduce the demand and the use of disposable plastic bags, which much like the bottles and cans covered by the bottle bills are not biodegradable and are often tossed on streets and sidewalks as litter. The bottle bill is not directly responsible for the increase of reusable shopping bags, but it is a lucky break that allows people to be better stewards of the environment. The success of the bottle bill should not just be measured in the decrease of litter and reduction of plastics in landfills, but also in the alternate uses found for materials salvaged because of it.

Reusable Water Bottles Up the Environmental Ante

There is no doubt that the various versions on this program are a positive change. Any program that reduces litter and encourages recycling is helping the environment. Where this program misses the mark is that it still encourages the use of plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans. The existing material can be recycled into new bottles and cans, but there is still a demand for these products, so they are still being created. Reducing the need for beverage bottles and cans is a better, more environmentally friendly solution. Do your part by using reusable water bottles, especially if you live in a state that does not have their own take on a bottle bill. Filling a reusable water bottle at home reduces the demand and in time the production of bottled water. The bottle bill is at the discretion of each state and many of the bills do not include water bottles, so there is little incentive to recycle them. Without the incentive they can end up in landfills or as litter. In the same way reusable shopping bags help reduce litter and prevent non-biodegradable plastics from being hauled off to the landfill, using a reusable water bottle helps reduce the demand and lets you put an end to litter and the irresponsible dumping of non-biodegradable materials in landfills. Disposable plastic bags and water bottles do not safely break down so the more of these items we can keep out of garbage dumps and our community the better. Reusable products, like water bottles and bags let you control or limit the demand. Buying larger bottles of juice or soda and filling your reusable bottle to take on the go can also prove to be more cost effective, so you can help your bottom line as you help the environment.

Reusable water bottles have come a long way. They come in a variety of materials, feature different lid types, and can be flashy or subdued accessories, depending on what you pick out. They can be emblazoned with statements or just be handy vessels to keep you hydrated on a bike ride or hike. The bottle bill is an excellent program that definitely increases recycling; however, a reusable water bottle is a great way to reduce the need and consumption of one-time use bottles and cans.

For more information on the Bottle Bill check out - http://www.bottlebill.org

The Reusable Bag Plan

Under the most recent draft that is soon to be released, shoppers can bring reusable grocery bags when they head to the store or pay a fee to use disposable bags starting as early as March 2012 with the all-out ban taking effect as early as March 2013 or as late as 2016. Once the ban is in place retailers will only be able to offer their customers reusable bags. Acceptable reusable bags offered by stores have been defined as thick plastic bags with at least 50% recycled content or thick paper bags with 100% recycled content. Shoppers are free to bring their own bags made from other materials. This staged approach is intended to give consumers and retailers the opportunity to prepare and get used to life without one-time use bags. Austin's bag ban does not include bags given out at pharmacies or restaurants in order to protect customer's privacy and ensure food safety.

The benefits of banning plastic bags are many. While disposable bags are recyclable only a small percentage actually ends up being recycled. Most plastic bags end up in landfills or as litter which is extremely unsafe given that the bags are not biodegradable. Plastic bags will break down over time, but it takes many decades and harmful chemical compounds are released in the process. These compounds can leach into water supplies damaging wildlife habitats and compromising drinking water. Banning bags may seem extreme, but by removing the demand there will be fewer bags in circulation and over time there will be fewer bags littering streets and taking up space in landfills.

Drawing Inspiration from Brownsville

Austin's ban is based largely on the ban enacted in Brownsville, Texas. The city of Brownsville first proposed the ban after a hurricane swept through the area and flood waters could not drain due to discarded plastic bags clogging the drainage system. Brownsville had long been plagued by unsightly litter that mostly consisted of plastic bags. Since the bags are so light they can easily be picked up by wind and blown down streets and sidewalks until they are deposited in trees or canals where they pose serious risk to local wildlife and are just plain ugly to look at. The best solution Brownsville could come up with was banning the use of plastic bags altogether. There are clear environmental advantages to the ban, less litter, less risk to animals and their habitats, less non-biodegradable trash in landfills, and just a cleaner, more inviting community to live in. Brownsville also had financial and functional motivation since the litter was impacting the canal and drainage systems. Most cities that have opted to ban bags, such as San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Seattle have done so primarily for environmental reasons, but Brownsville's initial reason is no less valid. A year after the ban was put into place there is noticeably less litter in Brownsville and no matter where you stand on the environmental issues you have to admit that clean, litter-free streets and sidewalks make for a nice place to live or visit. Doing right by the environment is just icing on the cake in this instance. The path Brownsville forged is guiding others to lives free of plastic bags and litter.

Reusable Grocery Bags to the Rescue

Reusable bags fill the void left by plastic bags. Stocking up on reusable shopping bags means fewer plastic bags are put into circulation so fewer bags will be tossed into landfills, or worse yet tossed onto parks and roadways. Many reusable bags are even made from recycled materials and can be recycled themselves when they become worn and just can't cut it anymore for an ecological spin on paying it forward. Bags can be made from jute, cotton, and even bamboo, so you are sure to find a bag that fits your needs and beliefs. Reusable bags are not all eco savvy and good looks. Reusable bags are designed to hold more than a disposable bag which is great news if you use public transportation or walk to the grocery store or bodega. One reusable bag can do the job of several disposable bags, and reusable bags typically feature long shoulder straps for comfortable, hands-free carrying, so the days of plastic handles digging into your hands or arm will become a faint, distant memory. Even if you get your groceries home via your car, making the switch to reusable bags typically means fewer trips to get everything inside.

There are many reasons why cities choose to ban plastic bags and individuals decide to give reusable bags a go. While the negative environmental impact of using plastic bags can be alarming, there are other drawbacks that are equally alarming and upsetting. The plastic bag ban movement is picking up steam, so even if there isn't talk of banning bags in your city today you never know what tomorrow will bring, and you don't need to wait for politicians to tell you what to do. If you haven't yet, consider making the switch to reusable bags, they're better for the environment and your community, and this way if a ban is put into place you will be ahead of the curve.

For More on this story check out- http://www.dailytexanonline.com/news/2012/01/18/new-draft-excuses-restaurants-bag-ban