San Francisco Bans Plastic Grocery Bags

San Francisco ban in effect; taxes, prohibition likely elsewhere

(NEWSER) - The party's over for plastic bags, USA Today reports. A San Francisco ban on petroleum-based bags already has imitators from coast to coast. Massachusetts is eyeing a bill that would "nudge" consumers with a 2-cent tax on each bag; Connecticut could slap retailers with a $1,000 fine for using non-biodegradable sacks. More»

It's back to paper in all 270 stores in the chain

(NEWSER) - After Earth Day on April 22, customers at any of Whole Foods' 270 stores will be taking home their groceries in a paper bag—unless they bring their own bag, reports the Austin American Statesman's Business Blog. The chain, concerned about the environment, is phasing out plastic bags. Experts say it's a bold move, but one that others may follow. More»

When gov't enacted 33-cent tax, usage dropped 94% in weeks

(NEWSER) - "Paper or plastic?" is perhaps the last question you'll hear on the Emerald Isle, thanks to a 33-cent tax on each plastic bag that cut Irish consumption by 94% within weeks of its 2002 enactment, reports the New York Times. Cloth bags have become downright fashionable since, but strong manufacturer and merchant opposition has hindered similar efforts in Britain and LA, and laws elsewhere have met mixed results. More»

City plans voluntary brownout to show how easy it is to save electricity

(NEWSER) - In a move initiated by a local environmentalist, San Francisco will launch a voluntary brownout next month to show people how easy it is to save electricity. Lights Out San Francisco is asking everyone to switch off unnecessary lights for an hour on October 20. Activist Nate Tyler got the idea when he watched the Sydney Opera House power down for a similar event. More»

Crank up your ingenuity and combat climate change the MacGyver way

(NEWSER) - If reducing emissions was Plan A to save the earth from global warming, these plans from Popular Science would be more like Plan ... Z:

1. Make more Arctic ice—out of saltwater.
2. Cool the oceans, which feed storms with warm water, by sucking up cold water from the ocean floor with giant floating tubes.