Calif. moves to ban plastic bags at grocery stores, encourage shoppers to bring own bag
By APWednesday, June 2, 2010
Calif. moves to ban plastic bags at grocery stores
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It could soon cost California shoppers at the checkout aisle if they forget to bring their own bags to the grocery store.
Legislation passed Wednesday by the California Assembly would prohibit grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores and convenience stores from giving out plastic bags.
It would also call for customers to be charged for using store-issued paper bags.
If signed into law, California would be the first state to impose such a ban.
The goal is to get rid of unsightly plastic bags that often wind up in urban rivers and the ocean, as well as to reduce the number of bags heading for landfills.
A spokesman for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he supports a plastic bag ban. The bill, AB 1998, still needs Senate approval.
