D.C. Council vote to financially encourage ReUsable Bags
11 out of 13 members of the D.C. Council have endorsed legislation that will place the District in the forefront of national efforts to reduce the issue of local pollution.
The legislation, authored by council member Tommy Wells, will impose a 5 cent tax on plastic and paper carryout bags from a variety of food establishments, including grocery, drug and liquor stores. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags.
As expected, environmental groups are getting behind the effort. Makers of paper and plastic bags are opposed. There is no unanimity among other involved groups. Giant Foods, 7-Eleven and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington are opposed.Others, including Safeway, Whole Foods and the Chamber of Commerce — are taking no position.
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