While people in some parts of the world are getting used to paying for plastic bags (a slap on the wrist for using such things), Florida is considering making them illegal. A proposed ban on disposable paper and plastic bags is being mulled over by government officials in a state that feels the need to protect its beauty and biological diversity.
If the proposal becomes law, Florida would be the first state in the nation to take this drastic step. Environmental officials feel that the more than five billion disposable bags used annually in Florida cause damage to the environment through oil consumption due to the petroleum content of plastic bags, and by destroying forests to make paper bags, as well as creating post-consumer waste that litters landscapes and oceans, while harming marine and other life, as well as clogging up storm drains.
A five-year progressive phase-out plan has been suggested, starting with public education, then escalating fees beginning at five cents and going as high as 25 cents, and finally a total ban at all retail outlets. Apparently, plastic bags used for grocery produce and bubble wrap used for packaging would still be allowed.
Despite some criticism and labeling of the idea as draconic, the ban could be approved as early as next spring’s legislative session, seeing citizens statewide heading to stores with their own means of carting their goods home. And snowbirds, don’t forget to pack your reusable bags.
