Categories: Philly

Plastic Bag Bans: Can Philly Catch On?

Italy decided to start the new year off right by completely banning plastic bags in the country.

Italians were using 20 BILLION bags per year – more than 330 per person, and was about 1/5 of the bags used in Europe. However, starting January 1st, retailers were required to distribute biodegradable plastic, cloth or paper bags instead.  Italy joins the ranks of Mexico City & San Fran to implement a complete plastic bag ban, which Philadelphia failed to pass in June 2009. (However, retailers with Philly locations like IKEA & Whole Foods have banned plastic bags internally.)

Other cities have imposed taxes on plastic bags: Trendsetter Ireland implemented a 15 euro cents (.20 US) tax on plastic in 2002, cutting 90% of bag usage within 1 week.  Neighbor Washington DC charges a nickel for each bag you use, implemented last year.

Plastic bags are detrimental to the environment, harm wildlife & pollute our city. Readers, what are you doing to avoid using plastic bags?  Do you think the city can implement a plastic bag ban in the near future?

Posted by Julie

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Green Philly Podcast Receives $27,500 Grant from Independence Public Media Foundation

The awarded project was a part of the 2024 Community Voices Fund grant recipients, with $800,000…

1 day ago

Community investments, coastal zone protections, sustainable fashion and more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. Shapiro administration announces grant funding for hundreds of…

1 day ago

Zero Fare pilot delivered 4.3 million free rides in its first year

Zero Fare’s success highlights the importance of free public transit for underserved communities. For many…

3 days ago

Citywide cleanups, SEPTA troubles, solar procurement & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. October was exceptionally hot and dry. The average…

1 week ago

State Representative Chris Rabb wants you to start the sustainability journey where you are.

In our latest Civic Catalysts column, Rep Rabb talks nerding out about cool science, vertical…

1 week ago

Exploring Schuylkill Center’s accredited arboretum: a commitment to native trees

Discover native trees, urban ecology, and vibrant community engagement at Philadelphia’s newly acclaimed arboreal landmark.…

1 week ago