Darby Strong

Playing point. Delivering the rock.

The San Francisco Treat

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Add one more reason to your “why San Francisco is the coolest city in America” list. As of Tuesday, the city banned the use of plastic bags made from petroleum. The final approval that solidifies this ban is expected soon by mayor Gavin Newsom. Recyclable plastic bags made from cornstarch will likely replace them, but hopefully the use of canvas bags will also increase.

Ever since my move to Blufftonian (as I like to call it), I have endured the quizzical stares, blank responses, and downright confusion by asking for no double bags and the request to “put in as much stuff that will fit.” Finally, I did what any good environmentalist should have done years ago and started bringing my canvass bags to the store like I did in my 20’s. Now, people just think I live in Sun City, a 55+ community in the area, as the only other people I see in my canvas tribe are older than, well, me.

Comments

  1. Dip, they are trying to pass a similar law in New York State. Heavy lobbying opposing it coming from the Grocery chains. I’m guessing it will end up being made law in individual counties here, long before it has a chance statewide. Dad

  2. This is good. About the bags.
    Canvas Unite!

    Do you know that in Brasil they have automobiles that run on solely Alcohol? Alcohol/Gas Mix, as well etc, etc.

    Yet in the USA they say this technology won’t be available for another five years.

    What is that?

  3. Darby! great post! how are you girl! i know you aren’t close by an IKEA, but they actually started charging 9 cents per plastic shopping bag. and selling their reusable big blue bags for 59 cents. and these bags are BIG, blue, and GREAT! now i can use them everywhere i go shopping, and only having ONE sturdy bag to carry as opposed to 20 petroleum ones?? no brainer! i think with all the GREEN buzz, it is just a matter of time before the entire market is transformed. of course, i am hope-sick idealist, but i truly believe that all it really takes are retailers to take the initiative.

  4. Try bringing your own bag into a store and:
    1/ get stares and questions from employees (solution, keep it rolled up and out of sight).
    2/ watch the cashier get flustered with something out of the ordinary, likely expecting a greener-then-thou lecture.
    3/ you’ll no longer have to deal with the collection of plastic bags we all accumulate from onesie-twosie purchases.

    Do it, it works better!