NATION'S FIRST PLASTIC BAG BAN NOW THE STRONGEST

7 February, 2012

The Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education (COARE), applauds the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for its unanimous decision today to strengthen the ban of single-use plastic carryout bags within the city and county limits.

In the years since San Francisco first enacted its ban in 2007, municipalities, counties, and even entire countries around the world have taken similar measures to ban single-use plastic bags. Expanded to include all retailers and food establishments, San Francisco's ban is now the strongest in the nation.

"We've learned quite a bit over the years. A great many others have followed our strong example, but we've all gained from ongoing experience. I'm proud that San Francisco continues to take such a leadership role in important environmental matters", said Christopher Chin, COARE's Executive Director. "This improved ordinance is a comprehensive approach to deterring the use of single-use bags. It sets a wonderfully strong example for similar efforts throughout the State, and tells the world that we've had enough plastic bags."

Annually, U.S. consumers use 100 billion plastic bags, all of which are derived from fossil fuels. In California alone, consumers use more than 19 billion plastic grocery and merchandise bags each year.

Since its inception, COARE has been actively addressing plastic pollution and attempts to reduce single-use plastic consumption in the U.S. and worldwide. Through its "Enough with the plastic already!" campaign, COARE seeks to reduce the amount of oceanbound waste by helping people become more aware of how their habits affect the world around them. COARE raises public awareness of some very commonly overlooked sources of trash, and encourages people everywhere to examine their choices.