Reducing the amount of plastic bags we use from our daily lives is one of my more recent green changes. After learning out how long it takes for a plastic bag to break down in the landfill, it made me change my ways. I started collecting canvas bags where ever I go, simply because you can always use one more.
News surrounding this topic also caught my attention. I started hearing about companies charging for using plastic bags as an incentive for people to bring in their own canvas bags. IKEA started charging for plastic bags in all its stores in March 2007. A 50% plastic bags usage reduction was projected in US and Canada stores, a 95% reduction result was achieved in UK stores. Also, just by having the option of purchasing reusable bags help companies reduce plastic bag usage.
Other news that excites me is that several countries and cities are actually banning use of plastic bags. San Francisco and Oakland California are leading the efforts in plastic bag bans. In fact, , San Francisco became the first city to ban common plastic shopping bags. Other cities considering the ban are Boston, Portland and Phoenix.
I also see that several companies are starting to give you credit for bringing in your canvas bags instead of using paper or plastic. Locally, the grocery store we shop at gives us 5 cents for every tote you bring in. Target, I have recently noticed, is also jumping on the bandwagon. I think it is great to see that major retailers are trying to do their part in saving natural resources. I also am curious to see what else retail giant Wal-Mart will be doing in the future to reduce waste. If you have any other news regarding plastic bag usage please leave a comment below.
