Update: Austin appears to have survived its first weekend without single-use plastic bags. But, judging from Twitter, many are still getting used to the change.
Apparently there are still people in ATX who don't know about the bag ban. Lots of people carrying out groceries minus any bag.
— Pam Vaught (@psvaughtFOX7)
There鈥檚 other questions still out there as well:
Yes 鈥� the single-use bag ordinance applies to all Austin retailers.
However, as the following tweet points out, some sellers are taking advantage of the 鈥渉andles鈥� proviso in the ordinance:
Seeing the first effects of the austin disposable bag ban. Stick handles on the paper and now it's reusable!
— Jeffrey Palermo (@jeffreypalermo)
Have you been surprised by the implementation of Austin鈥檚 bag ban, or noticed unexpected changes? Leave a comment below.
Original Post (March 1, 2:25 p.m.): Since today marks the first day of , shoppers are likely to see all sorts of new bags as they checkout, or even wonder, 鈥淲here can I get that&苍产蝉辫;产补驳?鈥�
- Recap: What is Austin鈥檚 Single-Use Bag Ordinance, aka the Bag Ban?
364 days ago, Austin City Council approved an ordinance that prohibited many businesses within city limits from providing paper or plastic single-use bags to customers, beginning March 1.
Shoppers are encouraged to bring in their own reusable bags. There are plenty of exceptions: Some stores may continue selling single use bags, but will charge a fee. Some businesses can apply for a hardship waiver. And single use bags are still allowed for certain non-profits and businesses like dry-cleaners and restaurants.
If this news leaves you in a panic, here is a bag ban breakdown:
According to the city, at the checkout, businesses :
- Plastic bags: 4 millimeters in thickness or greater with handles
- Paper bags: made of 40% recycled content with handles
- Cloth or another type of reusable bag made out of durable materials
Businesses may charge for their bags, but customers may bring their own. And there are many options.
(Remember: Wash your bag from time to time. )
- The Free Bag:
Any bags you have in your home or car. Canvas, knitted, or insulated bags are great. Perhaps you鈥檝e been stockpiling the reusable bags stores have been giving out over the last few months. Leftover swag bags from old SXSW/ACL/F1 events should suffice.
- The 25垄-$10 Bag:
As mentioned earlier, businesses may charge for bags. The heavier plastic bags businesses are providing should cost less than dollar. HEB鈥檚 checkout backs cost 25垄. Basic totes around grocery stores usually cost somewhere around the $1 to $10 range. that they say are available at Austin retailers like Central Market, HEB, Randalls, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods Market.
- The Charity Bag:
Many businesses offer charity-inspired bags. offers a range of bags and products that go towards supporting the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Here in Austin, at has collaborated with , a Ghanaian NGO, and the to introduce the "," which helps people in Ghana.
Says Dr. Dorie Gilbert, ICD Director:
鈥淎s a study-abroad course project, students develop small enterprise teams of local Ghanaians to produce the bags creating聽employment to youth and people living with HIV/AIDS.聽聽Students then work with retailers to market the new eco-friendly bags in Austin.鈥�
The bags should be available in the coming months at local retailers.
- Expensive Totes for Expensive Taste:
For those who insist on the best. Many designers offer their take on the reusable bag. This $128.25 bag from may fit that need.
And there you have it. It will likely take a few moments before we all get in the habit of bringing our re-usable bags to the store. But it鈥檚 part of what the city calls its
(A note for Austin businesses: in Seattle, retailers have found that since a citywide bag ban went into effect there in July.)
