While the practice of carrying reusable bags on shopping trips has long been common in Europe, it has not caught on with US shoppers. At least not yet. There are signs, however, that, given a little prompting by lawmakers and retailers, Americans might adopt the bring-your-own-bag habit.

Little more than a year ago, San Francisco passed the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance. It banned the use of non-recyclable plastic bags by major supermarket and drug chains and other large retailers.

As San Francisco’s board of supervisors predicted, other municipalities have begun taking steps to limit the use of plastic, and, in some cases, paper bags. Seattle’s mayor and city council president, for example, are proposing a law that would require supermarkets, drug stores and convenience stores to place a 20-cent fee on disposable bags – both plastic and paper. The objective is to encourage shoppers to carry reusable bags.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?


NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.