To the editor: The bill passed by the California Legislature to eliminate plastic bags in grocery stores, even the thick, “reusable” ones that are rarely reused, was long overdue. I am pleased to see that this legislation has widespread support.
It's been years since I picked up a plastic bag from a store. Reusable bags are a very easy alternative. If someone forgets to bring a reusable bag, a paper bag is still a viable alternative.
I want to thank State Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) and Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) for their persistence in getting this bill passed. I look forward to Governor Gavin Newsom signing this important legislation into law quickly.
Larry Kramer, San Juan Capistrano
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To the editor: I was heavily involved in opposing the state's first plastic bag ban 10 years ago, arguing that government should not tell consumers how to run their lives.
What I soon realized was that it was a way for grocery stores to have a legal pretext to charge customers for something they had always given away. It was a blatant lie to people and a way to enrich the business in the name of the environment.
Studies carried out at the time also showed that the best solution was 100% post-consumer paper bags.
James Stewart, City Panorama
