Safeway stores in Breckenridge, Colorado have recently placed employees outside their store to remind shoppers to bring their own bags! 

In addition, "Summit County is winning the competition against all Colorado ski towns to see who can use the least plastic and the most reusable bags. The winning community gets $10,000 towards their school system."

Target stores in South Australia are joining other stores in South Australia in phasing out the use of plastic bags in their stores.  "Target will join other Target stores in a national phase-out of plastic bags on Monday, following a statewide ban on plastic bags in South Australia."

As from June 1, Altesa Supermarkets started charging for their biodegradable plastic bags at one céntimo each. On its' sales ticket it says "Help protect our Islands. Everyone for the environment." also referring clients to a website referring to degradable plastics.

Much of the focus of this blog has been about cities around the world. What about a city closer to home - what about closer to your home?

After exploring many options to discourage citizens and retailers from using plastic bags, in 2002 the country of Ireland decided to charge all consumers a small amount of every plastic bag they used to bag their groceries.

As of July 7, 2009, some 2,000 retail stores in Hong Kong will start charging HKD0.5 for each plastic bag provided to consumers.

The government plans to register retailers covered by the regulations; and these retailers include supermarkets, convenience stores, and personal care products shops.