Resistance Mounts to Bag Bans as More Cities Consider Enforcement
Those reports of environmental harm are overstated, according to opponents. The San Diego Union-Tribune says that only 0.4 percent of landfill space is dedicated to plastic bags, and that the items, while not biodegradable, are recyclable.
The Union-Tribune also argues that such legislation unfairly punishes businesses, who could alienate customers if they do not offer bags and risk fines if they do. This reasoning is what caused Celine Olson, the former mayor of Solana Beach who endorsed that city's bag ban, to reverse course and ask the city to overturn the legislation. ABC 10 News in California reports that one store in Solana Beach has seen "a 25 percent drop in business" since getting rid of the free plastic bags.
Kyle A. Richardson is the editorial director of Promo Marketing. He joined the company in 2006 brings more than a decade of publishing, marketing and media experience to the magazine. If you see him, buy him a drink.