Florida May Ban Paper, Plastic Bags
Gov. Charlie Crist Undecided On Proposed Ban
Posted: 6:52 am EDT October 16, 2009
Updated: 7:28 am EDT October 16, 2009
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. -- Florida could soon become the first state in the nation to ban disposable paper and plastic bags, a move that would benefit the environment but could cost residents money, Miami television station WPLG reported.
Eliminating disposable bags would benefit the environment and reduce oil consumption because plastic bags are made from petroleum products. People in Florida use more than 5 billion disposable paper and plastic bags each year.
The Department of Environmental Protection produced a draft of a "Retail Bags Report," released earlier this month, after investigating the necessity and efficacy of regulation on the bags.
In the report, environmental officials said they recommend a "five-year progressive phase-out" of the paper and plastic bags, starting with public education, graduated fees and then a total ban on the bags at all retail outlets in the state.
"The greatest concern I have as how it would relate to that would be how it would impact our environment," said Gov. Charlie Crist. "It's hard to grow up in Florida and not care about our beauty."
The governor’s office said Crist has not yet decided if he supports the ban. He is waiting for public input on the issue.
The ban would not apply to all plastic bags. People would still be allowed the smaller, thinner bags used for daily newspapers, produce at grocery stores and carryout food such as sub sandwiches. Bubble plastic to pack in boxes also would be allowed.
Some cities, including San Francisco, already ban disposable bags commonly used at supermarkets and convenience stores. The goal is to have everyone use reusable bags instead.
The Florida Legislature could vote on the proposed ban in next year's spring session.
If the ban becomes law, it would be phased in over five years. At first, people would have to pay about a nickel each time they used a bag. Eventually, people would be charged 25 cents for each bag.
Public hearings on the measure begin next month.
For information on public meetings and to read the entire draft of the "Retail Bags Report," visit the Department of Environmental Protection Web site.
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