The California plastic bag ban, bill AB1998, failed to pass yesterday.  Some said it was a debate in whether or not the decision was regulating personal choice. Funny how regulating our personal choice on so many other issues isn’t up for debate.  I’m just sayin’.  One Senator, Mimi Walters, R-Lake Forest, said, “If we pass this piece of legislation, we will be sending a message to the people of California that we care more about banning plastic bags than helping them put food on their table.”  The American Chemistry Council represents the interests of chemical companies, including a large percentage of companies that produce plastic bags. They lobbied against the ban heavily, spending millions, accusing California politicians of being focused on “grocery bags” instead of more important issues. Basically mocking them, and it worked.

The ban would have phased out plastic bags over the next year.  The alternative would be paper bags or bringing your own.  Do you think most people would then just switch to paper?  They would also be charged a nickel for every paper bag. The state would make a significant amount of money that way.  But paper bags aren’t the best alternative.  That’s cutting down trees and still having to produce the product.  Maybe we don’t need a ban, we just continue to hope people make a conscious decision to help the environment.  I don’t have the answers, but I do have reusable bags and I still believe reducing the amount we use is a good choice.  Please share your thoughts!

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