HEY-plastic bag alternatives flyer

[Carolynn Box]

Hey Plastic Crew --

At the last SF Surfrider General meeting, we had a big discussion on San Francisco's plastic bag ban. Specifically, it was brought up that the Board of Supervisors postponed the expanded plastic bag ban until February. Though you all probably know this, the expanded bag ban would ban the use of single use plastic bags in ALL retailers and restaurants in SF (and put a 10-cent fee on paper bags). The expanded ban was postponed because some of the supervisors felt that the small retailers were not ready to find alternatives to plastic bags (at least this is the gist).

Anyway, Eileen is going to be heading up our efforts to create a flyer on the alternatives to plastic bags. The flyer will explain the existing and proposed bag ban, why it is important to not use single use plastic when possible, summarize alternatives to plastic bags (reusable bags, biodegradable bags, etc), and discuss the 10-cent fee on the paper bags (also need to see if the expanded ordinance will put a fee on biodegradable bags etc). We are hoping it will be artsy and attractive so people want to read it - this is something we may need help on. But if you want to be involved or help out, contact me and Eileen!

Also, this is the Portland Surfrider Blog that focusses on plastic bag and other single-use plastic issues -- http://www.banthebagspdx.com/

I'm a blogger here too - i represent the SF Surfrider and deal with bay area issues. But a couple of the plastic bag ban experts blog on this site and i thought some of you might be interested. And the blog definitely has information that is relevant to San Francisco!

Thanks again for all your help with trying to get the expanded bag ban through last week! We need to be ready for FEB!

Thanks!

cbox