Rep. Maralyn Chase, a Democrat from Shoreline, Washington, is introducing legislation to make Washington state the first state to ban plastic checkout bags in grocery stores. The bill would ask stores to offer recyclable, reusable or compostable checkout bags instead of plastic ones. Plastic bags harm the environment and are petroleum-based.
Stores that followed the measure could receive a tax credit. Those that cast the legislation aside could be fined $500.
San Francisco started the trend of abolishing the use of plastic bag. Local grocers, Top Foods, Fred Meyer and Metropolitan Marke, all said they have been following the issue since that time.
“We are absolutely aware of this legislation,” commented Becky Skaggs, Top Foods/Haggen Corporation spokeswoman.
Each grocery store has already taken steps to become more environmentally friendly. The steps include offering recycling stations for plastic bags and the option to purchase a recycled reusable bag. Melinda Merrill of Fred Meyer said the grocery industry was already taking responsibility for its actions regarding plastic checkout bags.
“To be honest with you, there aren’t many stores out there that do not have a reusable bag option,” Merrill added.
Three local grocery store chains already offered a reusable polypropylene shopping bag with source material of recycled post consumer plastic. The bags can be washed and are considered safe for meat products. Customers seem to like them.
Merrill commented that department stores will still be able to offer plastic bags, and that eliminating checkout bags in grocery stores would not completely protect the environment.
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