Kroger announces a 180% increase since 2007 in plastic bag recycling!  We are making a difference!  Sure we would like to see everyone stop using plastic bags all together - but hey, we are thrilled that if a consumer has to take a plastic bag, more and more they are recycling it!  This proof that as we all become aware of the toxicity of plastic bags, we are all changing our hab

Its always a sad day when a ban or, frankly, any measure to limit the use of plastic bags fails.  Its obvious consumers want limits (or credits for their reusable bag efforts) and its always surprising when industry and big business feel differently.  Its nice to read that cities are planning on taking action, even where statewide action has failed.

Facing anti-plastic bag legislation nationwide, many stores have taken the initiative to reduce their plastic bag consumption voluntarily.  Publix grocery store is one such retailer.  Here is summary of many of the changes they have been making:

"Gov. Markell signed a new law on Aug. 17 that will promote recycling plastic bags in stores across the state.  The law, which goes into effect Dec.

"Gov. Markell signed a new law on Aug. 17 that will promote recycling plastic bags in stores across the state.  The law, which goes into effect Dec.

Fairbanks, Alaska is trying a different approach to get residents recycling their plastic bags.  They are proposing that retailers charge customers for their plastic bags, but then the city is also proposing to pay residents for their recycling.  This seems like an interesting approach and we will continue to watching to see what residents think of the program.

There is a great article in the New York Times that summarizes where many American cities are on their plastic bag policies, be it recycling, banning or taxing. 

See the article here:

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/where-recycling-plastic-bag...