California governor Jerry Brown has pushed for and has made into law a ban on “single use” Plastic Bags.  As of July 2015, most businesses with revenue over 1 million dollars are banned from using such plastic bags.  “Single use” is more or less defined as the lightweight plastic bags stores give out when you make a purchase.

Of course most people, reuse what is defined by government as “single use” plastic bags.  They are used for trash liners, for carrying items and also even used for cleaning up after your dog.  In fact Fetpak distributes to many dog walking companies that purchase our Small Plastic Bags for that purpose.

Of course there are many issues when government decides what is best for you and what is not.  Every law passed takes rights from you.  While we do need some laws, the constant bombardment of laws being passed causes all Americans lose their freedom.  Most laws are sold to the public by way of: being good for the environment, for your own safety or to make things fair.  Fair according to what the government believes which is usually the popular opinion at that time.  Problem being is that a democracy is not supposed to be based on popular opinions, the leaders we elect are supposed to do what is best for the American people and the country.

So while the ban on single use plastic bags certainly serves the purpose of making the majority happy, just what are the consequences of this law?  First, stores will be required to charge 10 cents for use of each paper bag.  Second, there have been six deaths due to using reusable bags.  These deaths were due to food remaining on the reusable bag and causing the products inside to be contaminated.  Third, the use of paper bags instead of plastic is a trade off on the kind of pollution created.  More space will be needed in landfills and CO2 and use of chemicals required to produce paper bags is many times greater than producing plastic bags.  The environment is affected by using paper bags since many are imported and many of those countries continue to deforest their land.

Fetpak distributes both Lightweight Plastic Bags, Heavyweight Plastic Bags and Paper Bags.  However we do feel that the consumer should be free to decide if they want plastic, paper or to carry their own reusable bag.  We enjoy our freedom and want to keep it.

Paper Bags at Fetpak

Fetpak’s Lightweight Plastic Bags

Fetpak distributes packaging supplies to retailers, wholesales and organizations.  See Fetpak’s Website.