The city of Santa Cruz, California is considering banning plastic bags. They are inspired by their neighbor cities and want to see if they can pass similar restrictions in their city. This is what we at ConservingNow have been talking about when we say, "Together We Can Make a Difference". It means taking cues from one another, listening, watching and seeing what works for others and then implementing it in our communities and lives. We support these efforts because we know that we need each other - the good and the bad - if we are going to do what's needed to rid our enviroment of plastic bags for good. Way to go Santa Cruz! We are behind your efforts all the way!
"SANTA CRUZ - The City Council on Tuesday unanimously endorsed a countywide effort to ban single-use plastic bags and reduce paper bags handed out by retailers, a move that is gaining traction throughout California even though such measures are fraught with legal questions.
'Everyone that has taken action has been sued,' said Bob Nelson, the city's solid waste superintendent. Indeed, cities including Oakland and Palo Alto have faced legal challenges over the bans, which plastic bag makers oppose in favor of increased recycling efforts. Because large retail companies also have complained about having to comply with multiple individual ordinances, some ban proponents wish Sacramento would take up statewide regulations for the sake of uniformity.
But by working with other officials around the county on a model ordinance rather than drafting its own, at least Santa Cruz could share the cost of vetting any proposed regulations with the public, Nelson said. The draft rules, which the county hopes to release in time for Earth Day in April, would be subject to an environmental impact report that could cost up to $100,000 to produce. The county's four cities would then be asked to approve similar regulations."
For more information:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14457185
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