How often do you hear that question?

It's a seemingly simple question, with 2 choices...and profound implications. Depending on what you need them for at home, one choice may be preferred over another.

The choice USED to be bag (paper) or no bag.

And it is becoming that choice again in some places.

San Francisco already has a ban city-wide that restricts plastic bag availability. So do Oakland and Malibu. And I understand that Santa Monica (near LA) is also considering it as well.

And now the options around plastic and paper are being bantered about in ENCINITAS, California (next door to Carlsbad).

Read Paper vs. Plastic - The Shopping Bag Debate for more information on the pros and cons.

The Coast News covered this issue with regard to the pending proposal in Encinitas.

Some support the notion of an outright ban of plastic with fee for paper (so folks might bring their own bags), but more are in favor of a phase in, whereby stores would begin by charging a fee for plastic, with the money used for education, and ultimately eliminating the single-use point-of-sale plastic bags.

Personally I think using your own bags is the best option, and recycling the paper ones being another viable choice. I often don't get a bag at all unless I have a lot to carry, which is rare.

We use Envirosax, which are strong, hold a ton of stuff, easy to carry, and fold up for easy storage. We keep them in the car so they are always ready for use.

My wife says she gets comments on them EVERY TIME. They are great for the environment and very functional. One of the best Christmas gifts we received (from our older LA daughter!).

I suspect there will be many more communities pushing for a shift in plastic bags; perhaps there are already some in YOUR area. One of our issues is that many end up in the ocean and lagoons creating major problems for marine life.

So consider re-using bags, using only paper, not using a bag unless you REALLY need to (I applaud those stores that ASK if you need a bag) or try out the Envirosax. What a great gift idea. And they are adding a corporate label so folks could personalize. MUCH better than a calendar or refrigerator magnet, don;t you think?

NOTE: Credit for this post goes to friend and AR member Kathy McGraw, who took a moment out of her busy life to email me about the proposal she read about in the San Diego Union Tribune. I had heard a little about it but her email was the inspiration to talk about it. What a good friend! And a terrific blogger herself!

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If I can provide more information about Encinitas, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits