ConservingNow Community Change

"The Outer Banks is set to become the first community on the East Coast to banish those wispy plastic bags. Gov. Bev Perdue is expected to sign the bill that bans large local retailers from using the ubiquitous bags, spokeswoman Chrissy Pearson said Tuesday. The state Senate passed the bill 44-2 on Monday. [The ban] applies only to the barrier islands of Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties.

The brainchild of state Sen. Marc Basnight, a Manteo Democrat and Senate president, the bill outlaws distribution of the bags to customers at retail chains with five or more stores in the state or at stores with 5,000 square feet of retail space or more. Instead, the retailer can offer 100 percent recycled paper bags, or customers can bring or buy their own reusable bags. Incentives can be offered to those who bring their own bags, including a cash refund, a store coupon or credit, or a reward that's part of a customer loyalty program."

For more information: http://hamptonroads.com/2009/06/nc-plastic-bag-ban-awaits-governors-sign...