bag it

I was indifferent with the City banned single-use plastic bags in the City, but have noticed a significant decrease in street trash and general detritus caused by these bags.  I have also started using canvas bags on almost every trip to Safeway and they are so much easier.  I'm still happy with paper bags and use them in my recycling and composting.

While the attempt to pass such legislation on the statewide level has failed, other municipalities have taken note—particularly around the Bay where the bags are a great source of pollution.  Personally, I think it was skeevy of the plastics people to sue San Jose for passing their law without an environmental impact report (paper bags affect trees!) because using less of the earth-killing plastic bags cuts into their profits.  However, $140,000 later, San Jose may limit or charge for paper bags too as a way to encourage the use of reusable bags.  Worked on me and I am happier for it.

The Wall Street Journal: More Cities Take Aim at Plastic Bags