Aren’t reusable bags worse for the environment?

This issue is complicated and depends on the material of the bag and how it is manufactured. In general, reusable bags with higher recycled content have less of an environmental footprint, but the key to reducing the environmental impact of any bag is to use it multiple times and dispose of it properly when it has worn out.

Show All Answers

1. When do the single-use plastic bag ban and paper bag fee go into effect?
2. What stores are covered under the ordinance?
3. Why is there a 20-cent charge for paper bags?
4. Is the 20-cent charge on paper a tax?
5. Does the ordinance ban plastic produce or meat/seafood bags?
6. How will I carry my groceries home? I need those "free" bags.
7. What if I forget my reusable bags?
8. Aren’t reusable bags worse for the environment?
9. Why charge for paper bags? Aren't they better than plastic?
10. How will I pick up my pet’s waste, throw away dirty diapers, or line my small trash cans now?
11. What about recycling; isn’t that a better solution?
12. Will reusable bags make me sick?
13. What does the city plan to do with the revenue from the paper bag fee?
14. What about visitors who might not bring their own bags?