Fact: We firmly believe that a dramatic reduction of the massive over-consumption of plastic shopping bags is needed - it's part of our core mission. However, as hard-nosed pragmatists we focus on promoting solutions that are both powerful and sensible. We believe bans divert resources and attention -- taking us off course from far better solutions that are right at hand. 



 

Top 10 reasons why we think bans are... well, dumb: 

1. Does not hit heart of the problem head on which is the over consumption of all use and toss bags

2. An emotional response to the problem
3. Has great sound bite appeal for politicians, retailers and do-gooders says "we're getting tough on plastic bag issue"
4. Not a market based solution
5. Biodegradable bags cost 2-3x more and there are plenty of negative environmental factors associated with them too
6. Will shift production to other "use-and-toss" bags
7. Not practical to the consumer
8. "Quick fix" solution that's desined to fail. This is a key reason the plastics industry doesn't fight bans nearly as hard as bag fees, which will reduce plastic bag consumption, long term.
9. Consumers do not currently pay for the true/external costs associated with plastic bags and they should
10. Can anyone cite a large city where this has worked anywhere near as well as the "Plastax"?

What we need are practical, proven, long-term solutions that dramatically reduce the consumption of all "use and toss bags" whether paper, compostable plastic or other. Good news - they do exist! In summary it requires some smart legislation, while letting the markets do their work. 

The solutions we back: 

1. Implement a Plastax model whereby consumers are charged for plastic bags and paper bags (both are bad for the environment) at checkout. In Ireland this cut consumption of all "use-and-toss" bags by 90%.
2. Use funds collected to raise awareness, subsidize reusable shopping bags, development of compostable "plastic" bags, environmental clean up, etc. (assuming a nationwide plan was implemented in the US at $.20 per bag it would generate a whopping $2 billion each year)
3. Let the system and markets do their work
   • quality reusable shopping bags will emerge
   • consumers will change habits
   • cost-competitive compostable "plastic" bags will emerge
   • petroleum based plastic bags will become a thing of the past.
4. Problem solved. Now let's do something about Styrofoam cups!