European Union Considering Plastic Bag Ban

More bad news for plastic! San Francisco is saying bye bye to bottles, and Chicago is considering banning bags. Now, all of Europe may be doing away with single use plastic bags. The European Union has issued a report examining the use of single-use bags.

In 2010, there were 8 billion plastic bags thrown away throughout the 28 countries that make up the EU. That works out to roughly 198 plastic bags per person, and 90 percent of these were single-use plastic bags. The report gave three possible methods for reducing plastic waste. One would be to implement programs to incent retailers to voluntarily stop distributing the bags. Another would be to levy fees for the use, and the final option would be a ban across the entire EU. After a thorough analysis of all three options, the report concluded that the one most likely to be effective is the ban.

The report closes with a recommendation to first take steps to reduce bag use to gradually help businesses and residents of the EU adapt to the changes with the law not taking effect until 2020.                                                                                            

Potential Plastic Bag Ban In Chicago

Hot on the heels of San Francisco announcing their plastic water bottle ban at events on city property, Chicago City Council members are now discussing a possible ban on single use plastic bags in the city.

The law will impact all retailers in the city; however, the sponsor of the law, Ald. “Proco” Joe Moreno says that they will likely roll the enforcement of the bill out slowly, giving small businesses time to make the necessary adjustments.

So far, there is a lot of opposition to the bill. Retailers are most concerned with the fact that there is no tax on paper bags as a part of the law. They say that businesses will be hurt by having to purchase more expensive paper bags or compostable bags.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has so far said he was not in support of a plastic bag ban, but Moreno states that there are enough votes to carry the ban regardless of whether or not the Mayor supports it. We'll keep you up to date on the story as it unfolds.

California's Controversial Plastic Bag Ban

California is currently considering a plastic bag ban that would hopefully decrease much of the plastic waste in the Golden State.

Senate Bill 270 would ban the use of single use plastic bags at grocery stores, pharmacies and any convenience store with a liquor license issued by the state. All other businesses in the state would still be able to offer plastic bags to customers.

Supporters of the bill say that it would help to reduce the more than 14 billion single use bags utilized every year in California, but many say it's not far enough. Many say that the effects would be greatly limited because only a fraction of the bag waste is produced by the types of retailers affected. For example, 53,000 tons of plastic waste comes from bags distributed by restaurants in the state every year, and restaurants wouldn't be affected by the regulation.

So what do you think? Is even a small reduction in plastic bag waste a good thing, or should California scrap the bill and come up with one that would do more?

Los Angeles Bans Plastic Bags

In early January, the Los Angeles plastic bag ban went into effect. Although the law that made the plastic bags illegal at Los Angeles retailers was passed last June, many residents were unaware and surprised when they headed to their local stores.

Under the new law, plastic bags cannot be used in grocery stores. Supermarkets can offer paper bags, but at a cost of $.10 per bag. The goal is to get people to use reusable bags and reduce litter and waste in the Los Angeles area. Big box stores are not required to eliminate plastic bags as a part of the new rules.

If you're in the Los Angeles area and have found yourself plastic bag-less, check out our collection of plastic bag alternatives. Our Chico bags are meant for grocery shopping and are made from environmentally friendly recycled plastic fabric.

      Chico Bag rePETe, Hemp & Mesh Reusable Produce Bags - Set of 3

                               Chico Bag Hobo RePETe in Turkish Blue