Earlier this month, the California State Assembly passed a bill that attempts to scale back the enormous quantity of plastic carryout bags that are provided to customers every year. In an effort to reduce waste and encourage customers to bring their own reusable shopping bags, Assembly Bill 1998 prohibits supermarkets and pharmacies from providing single-use carryout bags effective January 1, 2012. It extends the ban to convenience stores and other outlets where groceries are sold a year and a half later. Stores may offer recyclable paper bags for a minimum fee of five cents. AB 1998 is now awaiting consideration in the state Senate.

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