July 23- Napa City Introduces Plastic Bag Phaseout

Napa City Officials unanimously voted Tuesday night, July 22nd to approve the first reading of a city-wide plastic bag ban. After a passionate 90 minute hearing, city officials and residents agreed that it was time for Napa to enact this change.

Under the ban, all grocery and retail stores will be prohibited from providing plastic bags at the point of sale, and may only provide paper bags with a minimum charge of ten cents. Exemptions include waived fees for low income residents participating in supplemental food programs, and small protective bags such as those for bulk items, produce, dry cleaning, or restaurant to-go food. If adopted the ban will take effect on January 1st, 2015.

Napa is a beautiful city located in Northern California's famous wine country. Some residents predict that reduced plastic litter as a result of this ordinance will even further beautify their city and increase tourism.

As an inland city, Napa is proving the importance of plastic bag reduction, not only for coastal regions, but for California as a unified whole.

Learn about the state-wide solution, SB 270.