Other states target bags that replaced plastic ones

Twenty-one states in all have plastic-bag bans enacted in one or more of its municipalities — a movement started in San Francisco, in 2007.

All by itself, California has 120 ordinances adopted. A campaign that won lawmakers’ approval for the nation’s first statewide ban in 2014 was sidelined by plastic-bag manufacturers, who garnered enough signatures to put a proposal to nullify the law on the ballot.

That vote happens in November and, according to some polls, the statewide ban is likely to survive and go into effect.

Ironically, a second item the industry got on the California ballot would redirect proceeds retailers make from the sale of paper and reusable bags to an environmental fund. This measure is being characterized by critics as the industry’s revenge against the stores for selling the competing bags.

But California isn’t the only place with political drama in the bag. Chicago is extending its ban to smaller chain stores in August. Minneapolis just passed a ban and 5-cent charge on paper and reusable bags, to go into effect next June.

And in May 5, the Big Apple got on board when the New York City Council passed a 5-cent fee on both paper and plastic carryout bags, starting Oct. 1. Advocates watching from Hawaii see that as a big win.

“People say plastic bags are the New York state flower, because they are in every bush and tree,’” said Stuart Coleman of the environmental group Surfrider Foundation. “We don’t want that to happen to us.”