BYOB: Bring Your Own Bags, Los Gatos

Monday officially kicked off a new era in Los Gatos, as shoppers in town can no longer bag up their goods in single-use plastic bags.

As of Feb. 3, store patrons are required to either bring their own reusable shopping bags, or pay 10 cents per paper bag.

So, how do YOU feel about this new policy?  Tell us in the comments below.

Here's more on the new ordinance, from the city's website: 

The Single-Use Carry-Out Bag Ordinance was approved by the Town Council after considering an Environmental Impact Report in which Los Gatos joined 23 other cities to study the effects of single-use plastic bags on the environment.  The intent of the ordinance is to reduce the environmental impacts and pollution from plastic bags, reduce waste, and promote a shift towards reusable bags as a Zero Waste measure.  

The Ordinance also helps the Town meet requirements to reduce plastic bags found in waterways under the Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. 

The focus of the Ordinance is to get customers to shop with reusable bags to save natural resources and reduce waste.  In order to promote a shift to reusable bags, the Ordinance requires that stores charge customers a minimum of ten cents on each recycled paper or reusable bag (including plastic bags more than 2.25 mil thick and durable).  Stores keep the revenue from the bag charges to pay for bags and help with record-keeping costs.  Customers paying for goods with WIC or food stamp cards may be provided a recycled paper bag at no charge. 
 
For more information, contact us at ReusableBags@LosGatosCA.gov or at 408-354-6834.