Manitoba town puts 3¢ levy on plastic bags

[Newsjock]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2006/09/01/leafrapids-bags.html

In an effort to fight pollution, the northern Manitoba town of Leaf Rapids began charging a 3¢ levy Friday on every plastic shopping bag given out by local merchants.

"The bylaw is an initiative to reduce the amount of plastic shopping bags that's in our landfill, in our trees, around town," said Leaf Rapids administrator Bond Ryan.

Ryan said the bylaw is based on a similar one that exists in Dublin, Ireland.

"I took it off the internet," he explained. "I couldn't find anywhere in Canada, so we're probably the only one in Manitoba for sure to have this bylaw, so far."

Ryan said the town will offer cloth shopping bags free of charge to residents.

[babylonsister]

1. I think this is a great idea! nt

[NMDemDist2]

2. I carry bags with me everytime I shop. I have enough trash to deal

with out here.

and my local Albertsons gives me a $0.05 credit for everyone of my bags we use

I need to get a small net bag to keep in my purse too I think

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Good! They should be either outlawed completely or have a charge.

[gula]

4. In Montreal, Loblaw's gave me a 5 cent rebate because I didn't

use a plastic bag.

In my area, more and more people are shopping with their own bags AND on foot or by bicycle. Actually, bicycle parking is becoming a real problem.