The best alternative to using carry-out plastic bags at the point of purchase is to bring your own reusable bag. We hope that carrying reusable bags will become common place in Manhattan Beach and the question at the check out will be, “Did you bring your reusable bag?” not, “Paper or Plastic?”.

For the time being, after the plastic bag ban takes effect, stores will be able to provide a paper bag to customers at the point of sale. However, reusable bags are preferable and the City Council has directed staff to research the possibility of applying a fee to paper bags at large stores to discourage their use. We will be addressing the paper fee issue within the next year. Widespread use of reusable bags are preferable for several specific reasons: to conserve energy and natural resources, reduce the total volume of waste disposed in landfills, and lead to a cleaner and more sustainable marine environment.