Many countries around the world no longer use plastic grocery bags, either by tradition or law, but expect the shoppers to bring their own bags. Lets not let our country fall behind in this important environmental trend.

Did You Know?

In Fall of 2005, when San Francisco passed a law requiring a 17 cent levy on each plastic bag handed out by grocery stores there was nearly a panic. A moratorium was placed on the enforcement of the law in order to give local grocery stores time to prepare alternate solutions to what is widely recognized as a growing problem: the plastic bags are an environmental menace.

Many of the local groceries have begun to offer reusable shopping bags, typically decorated with the stores logo, so that their customers will be able to avoid the 17 cent levy entirely. Even so, many shoppers are reluctant to change their habits, and continue to request the "free" plastic bags offered by the grocery stores.

When the moratorium is lifted, what deluge will result? Many of the other Bay Area cities are poised, watching to see what will happen once San Francisco puts this plastic bag levy and into practice. Will there be a huge backlash by shopper-citizens? Will the shoppers buy into this plan to encourage reuse instead of disposables, thus renewing San Francisco's credentials as an environmental leader, even a visionary? If it proves successful, you can bet that most of the Bay Area will not be far behind.

Monde Ami has been providing stylish, low-cost reusable shopping bags since April 2006. You can visit us at an up-coming local event, or contact us for more information at info@mondeami.com.