Single Use Bag Reduction Efforts
Master Environmental Assessment (MEA) on Single Use and Reusable Bags
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Carol Misseldine, Coordinator Terry Rivasplata
Green Cities California ICF International
(415) 388-5273 (916)231-9537
March 8, 2010 Green Cities California (GCC) is delighted to announce the release of its Master Environmental Assessment (MEA) on Single Use and Reusable Bags. The MEA, commissioned by GCC and developed by ICF International’s Sacramento and San Francisco offices, summarizes existing studies on the environmental impacts of single use plastic, paper, compostable and reusable bags, as well as the impacts of policy options such as fees and bans on bags. “Our intent in commissioning and publishing this MEA is to provide assistance to those forward thinking jurisdictions seeking to foster more sustainable communities by adopting ordinances that discourage the use of single use bags, and encourage the use of reusable bags” said Carol Misseldine, GCC Coordinator.
Background Information on the MEA including research methodology, funders and information about Green Cities California and ICF International. News Articles About the Master Environmental Assessment
Tired of forgetting your reusable bags? Go to Conserving Now to order a FREE car decal that reminds you to bring your own bags and demonstrates your commitment to the environment!
Local Bag Ordinances and CEQA Requirements
In the wake of the defeat of AB 1998 in the fall of 2010, which would have restricted the use of all single use bags in California, local governments are crafting their own ordinances to restrict the use of single use shopping bags. In the past, the plastics industry has successfully sued jurisdictions that have adopted ordinances that only banned plastic bags by arguing that such a law would increase the use of paper bags, which have their own environmental impacts. However, in addition to banning plastic bags, the new generation of bag ban ordinances also impose fees on paper bags which is likely to render the plastic industry’s case irrelevant, since the use of both plastic and paper single use bags will be discouraged.
In response to CEQA requirements, some jurisdictions such as LA County, San Jose and Santa Monica have drafted EIRs which will be reviewed and adopted by their Councils in late 2010 or early 2011. Santa Clara County and others are choosing instead to issue Negative Declarations. Marin County plans to adopt a Categorical Exemption, claiming that their ordinance will provide an environmental benefit. Documents below may be useful to those jurisdictions that are developing bag ordinances and are exploring their options around CEQA requirements.
Local Bag Ban Ordinance Documents
LA County Passes Sweeping Ban on Plastic Bags
Local Ordinance Version of AB 1998: This model ordinance reflects the negotiated language of AB 1998 from many stakeholders. The adoption of similar statewide language in the form of a state bill is likely to be easier the next time a state bill is introduced if many jurisdictions across the state have already adopted similar language and regulations.
LA County Initial Study on Carryout Bags
Santa Clara County Initial Study of their Bag Ban Ordinance
Santa Clara County Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration — Bag Ban Ordinance
Santa Monica Draft EIR (June 2010): To be heard and likely adopted by City Council, along with a bag ordinance, on October 26 Santa Monica Nexus Study on Fees for Paper Bags: This study is also an appendix to the Santa Monica EIR.
Master Environmental Assessment on Single Use and Reusable Bags (March 2010): Has been useful to those jurisdictions who have decided to prepare EIRs
Plasticbaglaws.org: Another good source for information on plastic bag laws
Marin County Wins Bag Ordinance Legal Suit
On September 14, 2011, the Marin County Superior Court handed Marin County a victory in their assertion that their bag ordinance is categorically exempt from CEQA review, which means that an EIR (and even a negative declaration) is not required. Having to prepare an EIR has been the major impediment to the enactment of local bag ordinances, so this ruling is very helpful in clearing that hurdle.
This ruling will certainly be appealed. But the momentum continues to be with those of us committed to eliminating single use items from our society.
You can see the ruling and legal brief here:
Court Ruling 9/14/11
Winning Legal Brief 8/17/11
Momentum Builds for Local Bag Bans
In response to the State Legislature's failure to pass AB 1998, which would have provided a statewide solution to the single use bag issue in California, local governments are adopting their own bag bans.
Status update on current and planned single use bag ordinance in California – 5/14/12
Here are a few recent news articles that document this growing trend.
Plastic Industry's Own Data Confirms Continued Failure of Plastic Bag Recycling – Californians Against Waste, 2/6/12
Plastic Bag Ban in San Jose Motivates More Cities in Santa Clara to Follow Suit – SFGate.com The Peninsula Blog, 2/1/11
Long Beach Bans Plastic Bags – Plastic Bag Ban Report, 12/11/10
County of Marin Set to Move Ahead with Plastic Bag Ban – Marin Independent Journal, 12/6/10
China’s Bag Ban Reduced Consumption by 50% – Good Politics, 11/29/10
Paper or Plastic? Neither – Times-Standard, 11/26/10
More Plastic Bag Bans Announced in California – About My Planet, 11/18/10
Plastic Bag Ban Gains Momentum in California – New Haven Register, 11/17/10
LA County Passes Sweeping Ban on Plastic Bags – LA Times, 11/16/10
Plugging the Bag-Ban Loopholes – Pacific Sun, 11/4/10
GCC policies have resulted in...
Conversion of over 665 million sheets of paper to 100% recycled content EACH YEAR which saves:
- 10 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions
- Almost 80,000 trees
- More than 23 million gallons of water
- More than 6600 barrels of oil
1,633,302 plastic water bottles from being landfilled which saves:
- GCC member cities over $1.6 million