Jul 24
PlasTax
Posted by madameblogalot at 12:11 pm in something new

Yesterday, Los Angeles city council voted for a Plastic Bag Tax of .25 cents on every shopper who requests to use plastic bags. If this fails, the council will look at banning plastic bags by 2010.

In 2002, Ireland instituted a similar PlasTax . Consumption of plastic bags went down 90% and litter was drastically reduced. Over $9 million dollars was raised from the tax and put into a “green” fund to help the environment.

The purpose however is not to raise money, but to raise awareness of how much we consume and harm our earth each day without even thinking about it. I like the idea. I know it is hard to get into the habit of bringing shopping bags to the store. I forget at times too, especially if it’s not the grocery store. Each time I go grocery shopping, I am seeing more and more customers bringing their own bags. I do believe every little bit helps and maybe one day our kids will be the ones who live it as a lifestyle.

PlasTax has 2 Comments

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  1. Shelly wrote:
    July 24th, 2008 at 4:53 pm

    When I got back to Shanghai in June, after having only been away for a little over a month, the shops were suddenly charging for plastic bags. It helped encourage me to remember to bring my own bag for shopping.

    I think it is all about a change of mentality that will lead to a change of lifestyle. It is easy to feel a little irritated over the newly imposed inconvenience. But really, what’s a little inconvenience in the bigger scheme of things?

  2. madameblogalot wrote:
    July 24th, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    I agree! and that is pretty cool that they are hopping on board as well. I usually have my bags in the car w/ me (different in your part of the world I know) so if I remember them I will go back out to get them or send one of my kids. but sometimes I forget about them til I’m checking out…it’s hard to change habits so quickly. I guess the charge would help to change the habit a bit more quickly!

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