Plastic bags would be taxed under Texas bill

From WFAA, February 28, 2009...

Rep. Rafael Anchia thinks he has the 7-cent solution to plastic bags.

The Dallas Democrat wants Texas to join two other states pondering the problems, pollution and politics of taxing each of the ubiquitous sacks that start at groceries, hardware stores and retail shops but often end up in sewer systems, landfills, parking lots, riverbeds, up against fences and blowing down highways.

"If people know that there's an added cost to doing plastic, they're either going to use paper, which is biodegradable, or they're going to bring their own bag," Anchia said.

Under his bill, a small part of the 7 cents charged on each plastic bag would go back to the retailer while the rest would help cities run their recycling programs.

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Bill targets retailers using plastic bags

From Austin Business Journal, January 14, 2009...

Texas legislators may go after plastic grocery bags — and the retailers who use them — if they approve a bill that would require stores to be more environmentally friendly.

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After a year, local retailers report less plastic bag usage

From Austin Business Journal, November 18, 2008...

Local retailers are reporting significant improvements in recycling and reduced use of plastic bags after a year-long city-led campaign to curtail plastic bag usage and encourage the use of recyclable bags.

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Changing Behavior One Bag at a Time

From Austin Chronicle April 4, 2008...

Can you reduce or eliminate your use of disposable bags? That's what a coalition of local organizations is asking folks to do as part of the Austin's Got a Brand New Bag campaign.

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City, stores OK plan to cut back on plastic bags

From statesman.com April 3, 2008...

Major retailers say they will sell reusable bags and encourage consumers to recycle plastic bags.

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Whole Foods Getting Rid of Plastic Bags in All Stores

From the Austin Business Journal January 22, 2008...

Whole Foods Market Inc. has expanded its ban on disposable plastic bans to include all of its 270 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The company says its goal is to be plastic bag-free by Earth Day on April 22.

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