Reducing Plastic Bags
Mandating recycling — June 30, 2009
Up to one trillion plastic bags are used each year around the world, according to members of "Californians Against Waste," and some experts estimate it may take up to a thousand years for each one to decompose.
There's growing concern about these bags in many places and some communities are responding by passing ordinances to require recycling or reusing bags.
Tony Paniagua takes a look at a new law approved by Tucson recently, as well as proposal in Washington, D.C. However, supporters of recycling efforts say there's good news in that awareness is increasing, and many consumers are already recycling their bags or purchasing stronger bags that can be used multiple times. We hear from shoppers, two store managers, and the executive director of Tucson Clean and Beautiful.
