Our Plan

We support a measured ban that does the most to reduce our consumption of plastic shopping bags.

  • Ban the distribution of plastic shopping bags by large grocers and pharmacies
    • Large grocers and pharmacies comprise more than 2/3rd of all plastic bags distributed
  • Require large grocers and pharmacies to report the number of paper, plastic, compostable, and reusable bags they distribute.
  • Reward retail stores that distribute fewer bags per customer with recognition
  • Require large grocers and pharmacies that distribute compostable bags to include a large label about how to dispose of compostable bags.
  • Require the City of Austin to institute a plastic reduction plan for City facilities and employees.
    • No use of plastic trash can liners
    • No distribution or use of plastic bags
    • No distribution or use of plastic wrapping
  • Require the City of Austin to move towards a modern Materials Recovery Facility that can recycle all types of plastic, compostable, and paper bags.
  • A large-scale public education about the negative consequences of plastic bags and the value of shifting towards reusable bags.
  • Distribution of 500,000 free reusable bags
    • Paid for by private sponsors
    • Not using taxpayer dollars