Seattle Starts Taxing Bags

Yet another reason to love Seattle: Mayor Nickels announced yesterday that the City of Seattle will start charging 20 cents for every plastic or paper bag given out at grocery and drug stores. The program is closely modeled on Ireland's effort, which ultimately resulted in a 94% reduction in bag use. To their credit, the City will be giving out at least one reusable bag to every household in Seattle. There is an interesting discussion of the policy on KUOW's Weekday this morning.