How plastics industry battles bans on its bags

[flashl]

Lobbying, legal threats turn prohibitions into voluntary recycling drives

When San Francisco became the first U.S. city to prohibit large grocery stores and pharmacies from distributing disposable plastic bags in March 2007, it appeared to have sparked a trend. At least a dozen other cities, counties and states were soon considering proposals to ban or severely restrict distribution of what many environmentalists consider a wasteful and harmful product.

The plastics industry had no intention of allowing the San Francisco model to spread without a fight, though. It quickly and quietly joined with retailers and other business interests and launched a successful counterattack, using lobbying muscle to quash proposed bans. In the face of the onslaught, the cities have instituted voluntary recycling programs that proponents of the bans say are ineffective and likely to remain so.

And in at least two instances, plastics interests have turned the tables on their green adversaries by filing lawsuits on environmental grounds in an effort to prevent bans from taking effect.

...

Plastics industry representatives attribute their successes to a growing realization that plastic bans are misguided.

MSNBC

[OKIsItJustMe]

1. That explains the new bin at the grocery store... n/t

[TomInTib]

2. We did it before San Francisco.

But we are only 9,000 population.

Banned trans-fats, too.

And you can still drink alcohol on the sidewalk or out in the street.