Deborah, a Los Angeles Times Blogger, living in Mexico City, notes the many changes she experienced when she went to her local super market.  Firstly, she noticed that all plastic bags were stamped with a biodegradeable logo in accordance with the law.  She also notes that the city recently has taken up other earth friendly measures throughout the city.  While its only one woman'

Bangalow Basics is the first store in the village of Bangalow to go plastic bag free.  The village is attempting to become greener by encouraging all local businesses to stop carrying plastic bags by the end of 2009.

At last count, Seattle's voters have rejected a 20 cent plastic bag tax by a margin of 58% to 42%.  Opposition to the campaign outspent the supporters of the tax by 15 to 1.  At ConservingNow.com we were very disappointed to hear of the results.  It is positive to see that already there is chatter on the internet about a public campaign to support recycling the plastic bags as we

Gearing up for Seattle's big vote tomorrow - here are a number of news articles that ran over today and over the weekend.  There are so many sides to this story and its great to see all of the interesting perspectives everyone has.  Its obvious how important this issue is and how much thought and consideration Seattle residents are giving to their voices. 

The vote to tax plastic bags iin Seattle is on August 18th.  In the run-up to the election, Seattle's papers are filled with commentary both for and against.  Here are a couple of recent articles relating to the vote.

http://www.seattlepostglobe.org/2009/08/11/bag-initiative-supporters-cri...

Following Ireland’s lead, Wales is considering a tax on plastic bag distributed by retailers.  

The city of Phoenix has found a way to save nearly $30,000.00 a year, as well as help residents rid the cabinets of used, unwanted plastic bags. The city has asked that city residents fill dog waste receptacles in city parks with their old plastic bags, allowing every city resident to utilize the bags for their dogs' waste. 

Target stores in South Australia are joining other stores in South Australia in phasing out the use of plastic bags in their stores.  "Target will join other Target stores in a national phase-out of plastic bags on Monday, following a statewide ban on plastic bags in South Australia."

The City of Seattle has decided to put a plastic bag tax of $.20 to the voters.  This is the first time voters are being given the opportunity to decide what to do about plastic bags in their communities.  Already the issue has become incredibly contentious in Seattle with many green coalitions standing up against petroleum companies and the American Chemistry Council.

"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.