Getting Ready for the Plastic Bag Ban

The plastic bag ban is upon Albany and the rest of Alameda County. Albany officials have been in support of the ban, and Albany Patch readers voted in a poll earlier in 2012 about how the plastic bag ban might change their ways (find out the results and cast your vote here). The vote was in response to a StopWaste.org's news release about the ban.

Below is the latest release on the ban from Alameda County:

On Jan. 1, Alameda County will join San Francisco, San Mateo County, San Jose and 49 other California cities and counties in no longer providing single-use plastic bags at checkout — making reusable bags a must-have for any Bay Area resident.

Here are some tips to help you incorporate reusable bags into your holidays this year: 

• Save money and avoid the bag charge by bringing reusable bags while doing your holiday shopping. Get a head start on your New Year’s resolution!

• Give friends and family reusable bags as gifts or stocking stuffers. Stylish, eco-friendly bags can be found at Etsy.com or for as little as $5 on Amazon.

• Get in the DIY holiday spirit and craft your own reusable bag using only an old T-shirt and scissors (no sew). You can even personalize it with a favorite design or message for a loved one. See here for instructions.

For more information on Alameda County’s new ordinance, visit www.ReusableBagsAC.org.