Mandy Brooks tells 'The Story of Three Little Bags

This is the story of three shopping bags; the single-use thin film plastic bag (with handles), the thicker plastic bags (think Department Store) that can be used several times and the common reusable bag made from cloth or fabric.

In the Salinas Coach Outlet Valley, these bags have long coexisted throughout the community. While some are more popular than others, they have all likely been in most homes at one time or another.

Single-use Bag

These thin film plastic bags are convenient, but cost the community dearly in clean up and disposal. Though easily recyclable in curbside recycling carts (bag-in-bag), sadly only about 5 percent ever make it there. Most end up lining the bathroom trash can, Coach Factory used to pick up after the dog, or as road side litter; blown into creeks and rivers, clogging storm drains, harming wildlife and ultimately wreaking havoc in our marine environments. Like a house made of straw, they are flimsy and easily blown away.

Department Store Bag

While considered "reusable" these are not what most people would use to pack an overnight bag. However they are generally made from thicker plastic and can be reused many times. Like a house made of sticks, they stand up to some wear, and don't blight the neighborhood.

Reusable Bag

Shoppers who remember to Coach Outlet Online bring their own bags know the benefits of kitchens and pantries free from plastic bag clutter. The reusable bag is strong and durable, to be washed and used over and over again. Like a house made of bricks, they are built to last.

The story of the three little bags is changing with the recent adoption of several local ordinances in the Salinas Valley to ban the use of single-use, thin film plastic bags throughout the County. Most of these laws preempt the new State law (SB 270) Coach Factory Outlet currently awaiting Governor Brown's signature, which would ban single-use plastic bags from grocery stores and pharmacies in 2015, and from convenience and liquor stores a year later. SB 270 authorizes stores to charge $0.10 for each paper or reusable bag requested.

Rather than awaiting the State law, the communities of Salinas Valley have taken initiative to protect the local environment and approve bag restrictions that go into effect over the next six months. Paper or reusable plastic bags will cost $0.10 in most Coach Factory Stores communities, up to $0.25 in others. The fees are collected by the merchants who provide the bags. Shoppers who pay with a State assistance program are exempt. Fees do not apply to produce bags.

For more facts about Salinas Valley bag ordinances, visit SalinasValleyRecycles.org. And we lived happily ever after.