Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I heard on the radio today Bloomberg wants to charge 5 cents tax on every plastic bag customers use in NYC supermarkets to help get rid of the budget deficit. I hope Suffolk and Nassau dont follow

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I don't live in the city - but one more reason I'm glad I use reusable bags at the supermarket.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I think its a GREAT idea, and I hope that nassau and suffolk do follow. Why would you roll your eyes? It helps both the environment and the deficit.
Ireland charges 35 cents a bag and their plastic bag usage has dropped by 94%. Thats incredible. Plastic bags are TERRIBLE for the environment. I read that a plastic bag is used for an average of 7 minutes. Is is really so hard to bring a reusable tote to the grocery store?

Message edited 11/7/2008 10:54:45 AM.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I actually don't mind the idea. It serves a couple of purposes.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

good idea.

I don't know if it will happen though.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I think its a great idea. Not to help with the budget defecit, but to get people to stop using plastic bags!! IKEA started charging a nickel per bag, and I wish more retails would follow suit.

Message edited 11/7/2008 10:51:40 AM.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

WOW! He found the one thing left that isn't already taxed

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

in Ireland, the tax is 33 cents!

USE A CLOTH BAG! it's quite simple really.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I can see both sides of this. I can see how someone would be annoyed that they are being taxed left and right. But it is one way to help two causes - the environment and the deficit.

I will admit that I do use plastic bags and this would definitely make me switch to the reusable bags.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

Posted by Ophelia



in Ireland, the tax is 33 cents!

USE A CLOTH BAG! it's quite simple really.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I think it's a good idea. We need to get rid of disposable bags. Paper bags are also a hazard to the environment. It takes a lot more fuel to transport paper bags than plastic bags because they are so much bulkier and heavier.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I think its a great idea. Something I read one time really got me thinking...every single plastic bag that you've ever touched in your life is sitting in a landfill somewhere.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

Will the stores be taxed for purchasing the bags they supply to us?

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I think it's a great idea! Gives me a reason to buy a cute reusable bag!

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I also think its a great idea! Great for the city and the environment!

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

this is a GREAT idea

I hope Nassau and Suffolk do the same.

When we went to a supermarket in Aruba, they didnt even have plastic bags. You either brought your own or took a box.

I bought the cutest reusable bag at the market and brought it home to use when I go shopping!

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I use plastic bags since DH takes them for lunch & we need them for our little wastepaper baskets...but I have to say I think it's a great idea. Very environmentally conscious.

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I think its a great idea!

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I already use re-useable bags.
And I think this is a great idea. If for nothing else, to stop the overuse of plastic!

Re: Bloomberg to charge tax on plastic bags at supermarket

I rather have a tax on plastic bags instead of raising the city tax. That would be win-win-win in my book.. for the city, environment and my paycheck.