Ban on Plastic Bags Begins This August in Evanston

Nearly 30 Evanston stores will ditch their plastic bags beginning on August 1, more than a year after the City Council there approved an ordinance prohibiting stores larger than 10,000 square feet from supplying them.

The 27 stores that fit that category include Jewel-Osco, Walgreens, Whole Foods, Trader’s Joe’s, CVS and Target, according to the Evanston Review. Dine-in and takeout restaurants and non-chain stores are exempt from the ordinance - which has gotten mixed reviews from the public.

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Ann Jennings, who has already been using reusable bags for the last six years, told the Review the ordinance will “change people’s habits.”

“It’s simple just to remember to bring your own bag,” she said.

But Raye Janousek said that well intended, the change will only encourage people to switch to paper rather than bringing their own bags.

“They’re trying to save one part of the environment but they’re just harming another,” she said.

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The city has initiated a few ways to make the transition easier.

In an effort to support the community during this transition, the City is ordering “non-woven, made-in-the USA, stow’n‘tote, reusable shopping bags,” according to the city website.

“We invite community organizations and businesses to join us by ordering their own personalized ‘We Love Evanston’ bags. These bags may be sold or used for giveaways by participating organizations in support of Evanston’s effort to move away from single-use shopping bags.”

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The “Think Outside the Bag” campaign includes bag shares, where residents can drop off extra reusable bags for others to come pick up at locations throughout the city.

A similar ban in the city of Chicago also starts August 1.

more via the Evanston Review

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