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