Getting Ready for the Plastic Bag Ban

The plastic bag ban is upon San Leandro and the rest of Alameda County. 

San Leandro Patch readers voted in a poll earlier in 2012 about how the plastic bag ban might change their ways (find out the results and cast your vote here). The vote was in response to a StopWaste.org's news release about the ban.

Below is the latest release on the ban from Alameda County:

On Jan. 1, Alameda County will join San Francisco, San Mateo County, San Jose and 49 other California cities and counties in no longer providing single-use plastic bags at checkout — making reusable bags a must-have for any Bay Area resident.

Here are some tips to help you incorporate reusable bags into your holidays this year: 

• Save money and avoid the bag charge by bringing reusable bags while doing your holiday shopping. Get a head start on your New Year’s resolution!

• Give friends and family reusable bags as gifts or stocking stuffers. Stylish, eco-friendly bags can be found at Etsy.com or for as little as $5 on Amazon.

• Get in the DIY holiday spirit and craft your own reusable bag using only an old T-shirt and scissors (no sew). You can even personalize it with a favorite design or message for a loved one. See here for instructions.

For more information on Alameda County’s new ordinance, visit www.ReusableBagsAC.org.