Bagging an opportunity

California lost a tremendous opportunity last week when AB 2058 was quietly shelved in a state Senate committee. The bill would promote the use of reusable bags by placing a 25-cent fee on each plastic and paper bag consumers use at stores. Such a fee would encourage consumers to use their own reusable bags, which would save families money, protect our oceans and reduce global warming.

By Yvonne B. Burke and Zev Yaroslavsky

August 15, 2008