Charge 33-cents a bag, and see change happen

[cherdt]

"Within weeks, plastic bag use dropped 94 percent. Within a year, nearly everyone had bought reusable cloth bags, keeping them in offices and in the backs of cars."

Motivated by a Tax, Irish Spurn Plastic Bags (The New York TimesLegislation, at least when it includes a hefty tax, is clearly an effective means of bringing about social change-more

Comments

[terryslillamb]

I would like to see that tax happen!

Whole Foods (where I work) is phasing out plastic bags. They are not ordering any more and hope to be totally done with them by earth day this year. Of course we still have paper but it is a big step. My store encourages customers to reuse bags by having raffles. If you reuse your bags you can take your receipt up to customer service and put your name in the raffle. We also have a lot of choices of reusable bags, some for only 99 cents. The cashiers are very good at encouraging people to reuse bags.

[duckspeaker]

I don't see anything wrong with that idea.
Some people will protest the government stepping on the free market--but it would be for the better good, and you can't rely on corporate America to self govern.

So I haven't taken this step myself.
Does anyone have a suggestion where I can get a good bag?
* Decent size (some are soooo small!)
* Strong (made to last)
* Reasonable price

[cherdt]

I never sought out any canvas bags myself, but seem to have accumulated a number of promotional bags at various events. I also use my backpack frequently, particularly for heavier items.

Some reusable bags are definitely more heavy-duty than others-a bag that rips after a few uses would defeat the purpose! Hopefully someone else in the community can recommend specific bags.

[blue_chicory]

I've got most of mine from goodwill. I've also sometimes made them, either crocheted or sewed denim.

[luighseach]

Paying for bags is the norm where I live (Norway), and people buy them a lot anyway. But we're used to it, and have a high standard of living. For some people money is a motivation to get more environment friendly bags, though. I usually shop with a backpack myself.