The City of Walnut Creek is considering an ordinance to prohibit the distribution of single-use carryout bags in all retailers (except restaurants and non-profit charitable thrift stores). Under the ordinance, all grocery and retail stores in Walnut Creek would no longer provide single-use carryout plastic bags. Stores may sell paper bags for a minimum of 10 cents for each bag. Protective plastic or paper bags, without handles, for items such as meat, fresh produce, dry-cleaned clothes and prescription medications will be allowed. Consumers will have the option to bring their own reusable bags or pay for recycled paper bags. In the on-line town hall survey, you can state how you feel about the non-profits and restaurants being exempt, about the the price of a paper bag and when should it go into affect.
The City of Walnut Creek aims to see a significant reduction in litter in our neighborhoods and streets, improve water quality of our creeks and bay, and conserve valuable resources by passing this ordinance. Europe has been doing this for years. Hawaii recently has banned plastic bags as they accumulate in the ocean at specific areas around the islands and sea life gets entangled. For me, it is just remembering to grab my re-usable bags from the trunk. I love having them when I go to Costco and wonder why I haven’t thought about bringing them into the store sooner.
You can voice your thoughts by going to this link http://www.walnut-creek.org/citygov/opentownhall.asp#peak_democracy or attend a community meeting Feb. 11 from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. at City Hall, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 1666 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek.
To view the proposed orinance language, visit www.walnut-creek.org/bringyourbag