Plastic Pollution Strikes Again Killing Rare Sea Turtles

A recent study reported in MNN found that sea turtles are eating more and more plastic with some species eating almost twice as much today, as compared to 25 years ago. A bag ban helps reduce trash from waterways that any animal could consume. And plastic can become lodged in the animal’s digestive system and lead to death. It’s also very easy for an animal to become tangled in plastic trash and that can leave the animal unable to fend for itself. Plastic is not biodegradable and holds up just fine in water, it is almost indestructible and this is a big problem for all animals who call the oceans home.

Empowering Businesses and Consumers to Go Reusable

Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) is an amazing organization that was formed in response to a recognized need to provide public involvement to advance stronger environmental policy. This not-for-profit group with offices throughout Connecticut and New York has been going strong for 25 years and they seek to educate the public about environmental problems and solutions while encouraging participation in environmental campaigns.

What’s The Problem with Disposable Plastic Bags Anyway?

Disposable plastic bags are deserving of the bad reputation they’ve garnered. They use up valuable non-renewable resources during the manufacturing process while also releasing dangerous greenhouse gases, and they are not biodegradable, so they never really go away.

From California to Colorado – Here’s the Latest News on Bag Bans

There are a lot of people working every day to ban single-use plastic bags in their hometowns and communities. Their reasons may differ, but concern for the environment is usually a common theme. This week for What’s In the News Wednesday, we’ve rounded up several locations that have either expanded their disposable bag ban (congratulations, West Hollywood!) or are working to implement their own ordinance.

California Single Use Bag Ban Fails to Pass

By just three votes, the California State Senate failed to pass the minimum threshold to move Bill 405 out of the Senate. The bill would have banned disposable plastic shopping bags beginning in 2015, while also imposing a fee on paper bags.

Hong Kong Poised to Expand Law Regulating Single-Use Plastic Bags

In July of 2009 the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags was passed in Hong Kong. This law prohibited large and chain supermarkets, convenience stores, personal health and beauty stores and supermarkets inside department stores from handing out free plastic shopping bags – disposable plastic bags can only be distributed for a fee.

California on the Verge of Banning Single-Use Plastic Bags

Ban Would Eliminate Plastic Bags in California Grocery Stores

A proposed bill by state California Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) aims to ban disposable plastic shopping bags in grocery stores and pharmacies starting January 1, 2015. Shoppers would be encouraged to bring their own reusable grocery bags or pay a fee, probably about 10 cents per paper bag used. The proposal would extend to convenience and liquor stores starting on January 1, 2016.

Rhode Island Considering Statewide Single Use Plastic Bag Ban

Environmental Groups Looking to Emulate Barrington
Last week we told you about the race between California and Massachusetts to be the first state to officially ban single use, plastic bags and this week we report on what could possibly become a new entry into the race – Rhode Island.

Last October the Barrington Rhode Island Town Council voted to ban plastic bags in retail stores, farmer’s markets, flea markets and restaurants. The law went into effect in January 2013 and prohibits establishments impacted by the ban from handing out disposable plastic bags, as well as mandating that these businesses must provide paper or reusable bags for a fee. Shoppers can avoid paying the fee by bringing their own reusable grocery bags, or if making a small purchase opting to carry their items without a bag. As is to be expected there has been mixed feelings amongst the residents of Barrington regarding the ban, but overall people support the plastic bag ban and are adapting to it.

Share This if Your City Has Yet to Get a Pin on the Bag Ban Map!

If you haven’t checked it out yet, please support the movement and view our bag ban map. This is a great interactive tool that pinpoints cities, counties, and even countries that have bans or fees on the books for disposable shopping bags.

Will California Become the First State to Officially Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags?

There has been a growing movement in California working to ban disposable plastic shopping bags and go reusable for many years now, and while there have been plenty of smaller scale victories, with a total of 62 jurisdictions successfully passed bag bans, California is now on the verge of banning plastic bags at a state level. This is an exciting time for our entire nation – as this statewide ban will start a new chapter in not only the state of California’s quest to eliminate the damaging impact plastic bags have on our environment, but it will propel the rest of the United States toward statewide bag bans as well.

How to Start A Bag Ban: What You Need to Know About Starting a Bag Ban in Your City

Plastic bag bans take a lot of work and planning to become a reality. It can seem like a daunting task at times, but with careful planning, research, and dedication you can start a movement and get a single-use plastic bag ban on the books in your hometown. Look how many towns all over the world have succeeded in implementing a single-use bag ban and if they can do it, you can too!