Our families often debate what to do with old plastic bags or how to break friends and families from using resealable bags (like sandwich bags) at home. Its certainly difficult - the younger generations were raised on resealable bags and therefore, don't often think of discarding them.

From the Paramus Post (New Jersey): http://www.paramuspost.com/article.php/20090614183654231

Becoming responsible to our environment: paper, plastic or cotton bags?
By Frosty Wooldridge
Denver Political Issues Examiner

As from June 1, Altesa Supermarkets started charging for their biodegradable plastic bags at one céntimo each. On its' sales ticket it says "Help protect our Islands. Everyone for the environment." also referring clients to a website referring to degradable plastics.

The Madison Common Council on Tuesday night approved an ordinance requiring residents to take unsoiled plastic bags in for recycling. The ordinance bans throwing clean plastic bags away in the trash, but it allows people to throw away used, soiled plastic bags.

Store owners and city residents united Tuesday against a proposed 25-cent surcharge on plastic and paper bags used in Baltimore, saying the plan would burden small businesses and city residents struggling through difficult economic times.

At ConservingNow.com we like to provide you with up to date information on plastic bags. Most of the time we gather links and information so you can explore the issue on your own time or in your own neighborhood. Every so often a story comes by that we feel is important to share the entire story with you.

Today's article from CNN is one of those stories.

Larry's Environmental Issues Blog
By Larry West,
About.com Guide to Environmental Issues since 2005

China Plastic Bag Ban Shows Strong Results After First Year
Monday June 1, 2009

From July 1, 2007, the government passed a law that stated that the manufacture, import and use of plastic bags thinner than 30 microns will be banned. All other polythene will be subject to a 120% tax.

“Toronto, Canada’s most populated city, is now charging consumers five cents for every plastic bag requested from a retailer in an effort to reduce the consumption of disposable packaging. The law took effect on June 1 and is part of Toronto’s commitment to achieve a 70 percent waste diversion rate.”