I'm not arguing that it couldn't be presented better but remember the general public is economically and scientifically illterate so this may be what the communication gurus thought was best. You should read a little. The worst options from a cost, environmetal and health (ie. bacteria) point of view are the reusable cotton and plastic bags. The institutes I mentioned are quite objective with the Fraser Institute ranked 10th in the world. You are quite right though - for example "The Institute for Alternatives to Good Policy" and anything quoted by the Star are generally union supported lefty propoganda mills.

 

Do you have a personal interest in the issue ? Just curious.

I just don't get it why people would come on this forum to ask other members to fill an online petition on something completely unrelated to the forum.

 

I think it's all about about educating people so they know every little bit helps.
We need lifestyle changes not petitions. This gives people the feeling that they have saved the world as they go to Mickey D's are fill their trash with empty containers.
Just saying .....

 

I think the same could be said about the reusable fabric bags. It gives people the feeling that they're saving the planet. I use them but, now that I think about it, the environmental impact of them is probably higher than just using plastic bags.

Plastic bags are probably one of the most efficiently manufactured goods. What is needed is an overall reduction in packaging and reduction in use of the bags, but not a ban. Like, have you ever bought a bag of milk and the cashier double bags it? It's already in a bag!

 

Oh, wow, yes! Number one on my hit list is that bulky plastic security blister packaging that you have to cut open. That is pure waste, as far as I'm concerned. Sure, it dissuades theft and therefore keeps prices fractionally lower, but so would a lot of other strategies.

Not directly applicable, but I thought this was sort of neat:

http://mashable.com/2012/10/10/earpod-package-water/

 

There's a bag ban?

 

yawn....

 

I have too many reusable bags since I forget to bring them back out after unloading each time that I have "banned" all bags. I only buy what I can carry each time. More stuff to buy than bring the kids.

However, there are plenty more other things to "save the environment" than ban the plastic bag. In general, our society have too much "banning". As others have said... Education is key, Once the general public is educated, the right to choose should still be top and educate the majority to choose not to use the bag.
Enough of my rambling

 

Looks like we get to keep our plastic bags.