Ernst & Haas Management Co Blog

[caption id="attachment_1290" align="aligncenter" width="194" caption="It's time to stock up on reusable bags, because plastic bags have been banned in Long Beach!"][/caption] In an extended effort to go green, the City of Long Beach has banned the use of plastic bags, making Long Beach the 12th city or county in California to restrict plastic bags since San Francisco's 2007 law. The ordinance, which went into effect August 1, is intended to reduce litter, plastic debris in waterways and storm drains, and waste transported to landfills. Currently, about 66 larger retailers, such as supermarkets, drugstore chains, and stores including Target and Walmart, are banned from distributing the bags. About 2,000 smaller corner markets, liquor stores, and others must comply with the ban beginning January 1, 2012. Businesses not offering perishable foods, such as clothing stores, are exempt. According to www.litterfreelb.org, a high-quality tote can replace 600 plastic carryout bags over its lifetime. But it's important to remember to wash the reusable bags as frequently as possible and to designate one bag for meat products, and another for produce. Under the ordinance, stores are allowed to provide customers with paper bags, but must charge 10 cents per bag to offset their costs in purchasing paper bags. The ordinance also provides that stores are required to provide a free reusable bag or paper bag to customers participating either in the California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or the Supplemental Food Program. Some retailers, however, are offering reusable bag giveaways. Albertsons, for example, will give shoppers a free reusable bag (while supplies last) when they spend $30 or more on qualifying products in a single transaction with their Preferred Savings Card until August 9. Participating locations include: -6255 E. Second St. -644 Redondo Blvd. -101 E. Willow St. -6235 E. Spring St. -450 Long Beach Blvd. Target will also offer its signature reusable bags for 50 cents each through August 31. The bags are regularly priced at 99 cents each.