Paper or Plastic?: How gauche!
Emily Kane is a former Eisendrath Legislative Assistant at the Religious Action Center.Plastic bags are officially out of style in Ireland. In 2002, Ireland passed legislation instituting a plastic bag tax of 33 cents per bag. Many were concerned that the public would revolt, but quite the opposite has occurred – people have gathered their cloth bags and embraced the shift. Reports say that sporting a plastic bag in Dublin solicits disapproving looks from strangers, and lectures from friends and family. The pressure has paid off! Since the 2002 law took effect, Ireland has reduced their plastic bag consumption by 90%. With fewer bags in demand, approximately 18,000,000 liters of oil have been saved. If Ireland’s (Population 4,109,086) reduced consumption has yielded savings 18M liters of oil, imagine what the United States (Population 301,139,947) could do! While San Francisco instituted a citywide ban on plastic bags last year, we have yet to pass like federal legislation. For those of us who don’t reside in the city by the bay, there is much work to be done!
Push your elected officials to pass legislation similar to San Francisco or Ireland’s.
Approach your local grocer or retail store if they are not already on board. Speak to them about 1) offering a per bag credit, charity contribution, or other incentive for customers that choose to bring their own and/or 2) introducing a small fee (15 cents) per disposable plastic bag as a disincentive. It saves stores money, enhances their public image, and helps the environment! • Enact your own personal ban on paper and plastic. Stores including Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Costco offer inexpensive reusable bags for purchase.
For other great reusable bag options check out this site. Hint: These make great gifts!
Reusable bags?: How chic!
Approach your local grocer or retail store if they are not already on board. Speak to them about 1) offering a per bag credit, charity contribution, or other incentive for customers that choose to bring their own and/or 2) introducing a small fee (15 cents) per disposable plastic bag as a disincentive. It saves stores money, enhances their public image, and helps the environment! • Enact your own personal ban on paper and plastic. Stores including Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Costco offer inexpensive reusable bags for purchase.
For other great reusable bag options check out this site. Hint: These make great gifts!
Reusable bags?: How chic!