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San Francisco shoppers are preparing to switch from plastic to paper bags.
Residents of San Francisco are preparing to switch from plastic to paper bags. From October 1st shoppers will have to bring their own reusable bags or pay for paper bags, according to the city's new Checkout Bag Ordinance, which requires all retailers, with the exception of restaurants, cafes and bakeries to stop using plastic carrier bags. The Houston Chronicle reports that the government is hoping to see a rise in paper bags, as a more environmentally-friendly option, and would also like to promote cotton and jute shopping bags. This isn't a drastic change for San Francisco, as the city was the first in the US to ban large chain supermarkets and pharmacies from using single-use plastic bags. It now joins 49 other cities in requiring its retailers to use paper or compostable bags, each bought at a small charge. The costs of the paper bags is not taxable and retailers must ensure that it appears on shopper's receipts, proving that they have been purchased. San Francisco's 9,000 retailers have been busy preparing for the October deadline over the last couple of months with help from the Department of Environment. This was achieved through letters, posters and placards, each informing businesses of the upcoming changes and how they avoid receiving a $500 fine for not complying with it. Speaking to the newspaper, Julia Strzesieski, marketing coordinator for Cole Hardware, explained that her four stores were fully prepared for the plastic bag ban. This is despite hardware shops not being officially included in the regulations and it being a voluntary decision to participate. She said that at least a quarter of customers bring their own bags, adding "we felt it was worth the cost of doing business to go paper only". Ms Strzesieski said that she didn't think charging for paper shopping bags would affect customers and went on to say "bringing your own bag is in vogue. The Europeans have been doing it for years". Shopping Bags Direct has many satisfied customers from around the world so please contact us to find out about our new Luxury range of paper Carrier bags.
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