To reduce the impact of litter on the environment from single-use carryout bags, such as plastic- and paper-bags used at stores, the County of Los Angeles joined Heal the Bay in supporting A Day Without A Bag Countywide on December 18, 2008.
This year’s event marked the second, and there will be many more to come. On December 2, 2008, the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution proclaiming the third Thursday of December, each year, as A Day Without a Bag throughout Los Angeles County, urging shoppers to forgo single-use carryout bags in favor of reusable bags.
Each year over six billion plastic bags are distributed in the County of Los Angeles with too many ending up as litter, negatively impacting marine life and the environment. Paper bags are not the best alternative since they’re heavier and could be even more contributive to water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions than plastic bags. The most environmentally favorable alternative is for shoppers to bring their own reusable bags to stores.
Heal the Bay gave away thousands of reusable bags at various locations throughout the County on December 18th. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works contributed 5,000 of their popular Brag About Your Bag, totes as giveaways for the day. To find out more about A Day Without A Bag and giveaway locations click here.
For information about the County of Los Angeles’ Single Use Bag Reduction and Recycling Program, click here or call 1(888) CLEAN LA.