Michigan divided over plastic bag regulation

This opposes a bill passed by the Michigan Senate to prohibit local legislatures from banning plastic bags. According to Michigan Radio, supporters of the bill argue that a ban on plastic bags would be unfair to retailers with stores in multiple counties across the state. 

To further explore the benefits and drawbacks of banning plastic bags, Michigan Radio interviewed Dave Heylen, vice president of communications at the California Grocers Association, about the ban imposed by San Francisco in 2012. 

According to Heylen, studies conducted in San Jose, California, and in Los Angeles County found 80-85 percent of consumers were largely in favor of similar ordinances, despite concerns raised by critics about the sanitary condition of reusable grocery bags. 

“Obviously, as a consumer, you’re going to want to do what’s best for you,” Heylen  says. “I think if you do have a bag you put gym clothes in, you’re not gonna take that to the grocery store.”