It’s time to put that portable grocery cart in the trunk of your car and stock up on reusable carrying bags. West Hollywood’s ban on single-use plastic bags takes effect Wednesday (Feb. 20). The ban applies to groceries stores and retailers with more than 10,000 square feet of space. Smaller retailers will have to comply with the ban on Aug. 20. Drycleaners and farmers markets are exempt, and plastic bags may be used for take-out food. Stores will charge 10 cents for each paper bag used, with the charge waived for those who qualify for subsidized groceries. More details on the plastic bag ordinance, intended to reduce the environmental impact of plastic, are available on the city’s website.
I have to say I love a good debate or discussion, freedom of speech and press and ideas are what has made this country great. And social media has leveled the field in the exchange of ideas and information. With that being said I got into a discussion about the WEHO city councils move to jump on the banning of plastic bags in our city under the feel good buzz words of its good for the environment. But to me when I look past the spin what I see now is that the supers markets get to charge 10 cents… Read more »
But wait – it’s not ALL plastic bags. Stronger, better, heavier PLASTIC bags are offered at Ralphs (so far) for a dime each. They are better and won’t blow around and be a scourge on the landscape and may be used again and again. Ostensibly. So why didn’t that appear in the “ban” – some plastic bags are okay it seems – I wonder how many of those will be used as trash bags and wind up in the landfill.
The best part of City Council’s day is to dream up ways of banning something.
I know this is the right thing to do, but it is SO very annoying and inconvenient, especially at stores like Target with large, bulky items.