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I read the articles in the paper about the city’s efforts to get rid of the plethora of plastic bags filling up our landfills by requesting a per bag charge of around .17 cents. Then I read that the major Grocery chains went behind the city’s back and had legislation passed preventing any charging for plastic bags. I thought about how many hundreds of those bags I use and then throw out, a sickening amount. I also don’t know the reasons chains don’t want to charge for each bag as was suggested by the city, in an effort to stem the tide of overuse, given the current global, shall we say circumstances. Of course there’s the issue of not wanting to pass the charge on to their customers.
But, I know that stores sell reusable fabric shopping bags and that they are required to give a .05 cent refund for each bag after each use. I guess it’s a secret right? Maybe all of the stores that use plastic bags should start selling reusable fiber or cloth shopping bags. Instead of fighting the city why don’t the stores hype their reusable bags as being part of the solution to global pollution?
Then I thought about the plastic produce bags I bring home with produce in them. So, I decided to try limiting the amount of plastic bags I use: first by always using the reusable bags I purchased, no matter where I am shopping. It took a little practise to remember to keep the bags by the front door or in the car (front seat). Second, I reuse the produce bags instead of tossing them. I wash them out, let them air dry and put them in the reusable bags, so I won’t forget them. The amount of garbage I put in my black garbage can has decreased tremendously.
If some local chains wanted to really pickup good press they could also tout the fact that they sell biodegradable garbage bags in large and small sizes. It would seem with a little in store advertising they could really capitalize on their efforts to help the environment. Then I would certainly be happier with stores like Safeway, Albertsons, etc.

• Overall Rating: 5.5

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