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Do you bring reusable bags with you when you grocery shop? I have invested in about 10 nice large totes and a few small cloth produce bags, however, half the time I forget to bring them in with me to the store. I really do have the absolute best intentions of sparing the use of another paper or plastic bag but, unlike Seattle, I can forget my bags at home and still have the option to use disposables.

Seattle City Council approved a new law in December that went into effect on Sunday which requires retailers to charge 5 cents for each paper bag and 10 cents for heavier plastic bags. Stores may offer small paper bags for free at their discretion. There are some bags that are exempt from this new law like small plastic bags used for meat, fruit and bulk items, as well as those used for dry cleaning and newspapers. Seattle is serious about this new law as retailers could be fined $250 for failing to comply.

Many Seattle residents are opposed to this new law stating that sometimes they only have enough money to pay for groceries and not the price of bags. While those who use electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, used for food stamps, are exempt from the fees, some shoppers are actually driving to a different city just to avoid the bag issue.

How would you feel about this law coming to Colorado Springs? I know that I would make it a necessary habit to remember my bags if I knew that I would be charged otherwise. Would you buy your own reusable totes or would you incur the additional cost of paper bags?