June 4, 2010 - California Votes to Ban Plastic Grocery Bags

Yesterday the California Assembly voted to ban single-use plastic bags, forever. Meaning that if you live in California ‘paper or plastic?' may soon be a question of the past.

The state Assembly voted 41 to 27 yesterday to ban plastic bags from grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and liquor stores. Instead, customers will have to either bring their own bags or pay 5 cents for recycled paper bags.

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The ban, which is not a law quite yet - still has to pass through the Senate. But if, and when, it passes, Governor Schwarzenegger says he will sign the bill. Many Californians are already familiar with plastic bag bans. San Francisco became the first U.S. city to ban plastic bags in 2007, and since then, cities including Palo Alto and Malibu have implemented similar bans.

When the law does go into effect, Green Guide Network will bring you the details. Until then, bring your own reusable bag whenever you shop!