It's all in the bag.

• Author: Shinkle, Douglas
• Position: TRENDS & TRANSITIONS - Plastic bags

Plastic bags are the bane of vacant lots and landfills everywhere. They take up to 1,000 years to decompose, occupying valuable room in landfills, harming wildlife and waterways, and creating eyesores. State legislatures are debating a number of proposals to reduce consumers' reliance on one-time, disposable plastic bags--which are generally not biodegradable nor easily recycled. Proponents of banning bags cite the environmental damage they cause, while opponents argue bans limit personal choice and disproportionately burden the poor. State legislatures are looking at measures that would:

1. Ban bags used only one time. Legislatures in seven states, Arkansas, California, Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington, are considering bans this year. California's proposal includes single-use bags made of plastic, paper and other materials. Proposals in Florida and Massachusetts would allow shoppers to bring their own single-use bags, but stores would not be permitted to offer them. Other measures under consideration in Florida and Washington would create rules for cities and towns that impose bans or fees on plastic bags.

2. Charge a fee or tax on bags. Eight state legislatures--Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington--have proposals that would charge a fee or tax on the distribution of bags. Opponents point out that shoppers ultimately will pay, directly or indirectly, for the retailers' increased costs. Rhode Island is...