ConservingNow Community Change

The debate in San Jose continues.  As a refresher, here is what the City Council is considering.

"What exactly does the ban propose? All plastic single use bags would be prohibited. All paper bags that are made with less than 50 percent recycled materials would be prohibited. Paper bags made from at least 50 percent recycled materials would be allowed, but only for a minimum fee of either 10 cents or 25 cents. The fee is meant to act as a disincentive. Charging people a fee is a sure fire way to make them think twice about using the bags.

Who would be affected by the ban? All retailers, small and large, would be affected. However, restaurants and nonprofits would be exempt from the proposed ban."

The law would go into effect in 2011.

Here are some of the latest articles on the proposed ban:
http://www.examiner.com/x-21343-San-Jose-Top-News-Examiner~y2009m8d25-Sa...
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13197040

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13195888