Washington DC is considering taxing plastic bags to internalize the environmental externality they create. This article has the usual whining and semi-legitimate arguments we saw a few years ago out in San Francisco, but it gives short shrift to what for me is a huge point: if people will just learn to bring bags with them when the go grocery shopping, they won't have to pay the tax! How hard is it to grab a handful of plastic bags before you head out the door, or just keep some in your car? Sure, it takes getting used to, but that's all we're talking about- learning a new habit. Amazing how excited people get about such a small fee that seems like it will actually do some good.
Oops, sorry- I guess this one gets my hackles up a bit!
