A week into the plastic bag ban

Posted: Oct 5, 2012 5:32 PM by Cameron Polom, KSBY News
Updated: Oct 5, 2012 5:37 PM

It's been five days since San Luis Obispo County's plastic bag ban was put in place. While many were prepared for the switch, others are still getting used to it.

Most people say accepting the change is the easy part, but changing their habits is a bit more difficult.

A lot of people are still forgetting to bring their bags when they head out.

An interesting thing we found out today is that most people don't realize the ban also includes department stores.

"Well it's fine at the grocery store but like when I go to a clothing store or something and I don't get a bag, that rather offends me," said one shopper.

It's not just clothing stores that have people confused about the new ban.

"When I go to the hardware store I forget my own bag, I don't think of a hardware store when I think of the ban, I think more of a grocery store, which I think most people are doing," said Rich Riedel.

And if the high number of shoppers heading into stores without bags Friday was any indication, he's probably right.

"I really had to think twice coming into Target, do I need to bring the reusable bags today," said Valerie Neuschwander.

Well, yes you do.

The county wide ban includes supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores and those with more than 10,000 square feet of retail space. That includes home improvement, sporting goods and department stores.

Outside Old Navy people carried merchandise to their cars, refusing to purchase a bag, some not even realizing a new law had taken effect.

"I was kind of in shock," said Sue Ruffoni, "the checker said well if you want a bag I have to charge you ten cents, and I said really and she said yes it's a new law and I didn't even know about the law."

While most are still getting used to the new ban, the majority of people are happy about it.

Like most other things, it's all about forming habits. The people we spoke with Friday say it just may take a few more weeks before they are fully adapted to the new law.

We contacted several different stores Friday and as you can imagine, sales of reusable bags are skyrocketing.