Google begins its third - and most ambitious - decade of climate action

Carbon neutral since 2007.
Carbon free by 2030.

Google begins its third - and most ambitious - decade of climate action. These commitments help everyone move towards a carbon-free future.

Visit sustainability.google

New York State Plastic Bag Ban #BYOBagNY

Starting today, March 1, 2020, a new bag waste reduction law is in effect in New York State - where over 23 billion plastic bags are typically used each year. Plastic bag usage affects both our communities and environment. Plastic bags can be seen stuck in trees, as litter in our neighborhoods, and floating in our waterways. From the significant recycling and disposal issues they pose to the harm they can do to wildlife, the negative impacts of plastic bags are easily seen.

As a consumer, you can keep reusable bags in your car, or clip folding reusable bags onto your commuting bag or purse so you always have them handy. If you store them near the door or coat closet, you'll be more likely to remember them on the way out. Remember that every time you use a reusable bag, you are doing your part to prevent litter and waste. Using reusable bags makes sense and is the right thing to do. You can also remind your family, friends, and neighbors to bring their reusable bags whenever they shop.

The Bag Waste Reduction Law applies to more than just grocery stores. Whether you're going to the grocery store, clothes shopping, or to a home improvement store, make sure to bring your reusable bags.

Types of Bags You Can Use

While shoppers can bring any type of bag -- including film plastic -- note that there are many alternatives to choose from which are more environmentally friendly. Ideally, a bag should be washable and designed for multiple uses, such as one made from cloth. If you forget to bring a bag with you, many retailers will have reusable bags for sale. An alternative, such as paper, may also be available. Please note that stores are not required to have bags available for customers. Some stores may choose not to switch to paper and may only have reusable bags for purchase.

The Bag Waste Reduction Law and Who it Affects

Starting March 1, 2020, all plastic carryout bags (other than an exempt bag) are banned from distribution by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax. For sales that are tax exempt, plastic carry out bags are still not allowed to be distributed by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax (unless it is an exempt bag). The law will affect anyone required to collect New York State sales tax, bag manufacturers and consumers. Cities and counties will also be involved.

Cities and counties are authorized to adopt a five-cent paper carry-out bag reduction fee. If you pay using SNAP or WIC, you will not be charged any paper bag fees. Stores must provide SNAP and WIC users with free carryout bags. No other customers are exempt from this fee.

Exempt Bags

Bags are exempt from both the plastic bag ban and the paper carryout bag fee if they are:

• Used only to contain or wrap uncooked meat, fish or poultry
• Used by a consumer only to package bulk items such as fruits, vegetables, grains, or candy
• Used only to contain food sliced or prepared to order
• Used only to contain a newspaper for delivery to a subscriber
• Sold in bulk to a consumer at the point of sale
• Trash bags
• Food storage bags
• Garment bags
• Prepackaged for sale to a customer
• Provided by a restaurant, tavern, or similar food service establishment to carry out or deliver food
• Provided by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs

More Information

You can access the full text version of the Bag Waste Reduction law (Environmental Conservation Law ECL Article 27, Title 28).

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Up-Style Reusable Silicone Ziplock bag--The perfect solution for food preservation, storage, outdoor packing, water sports…

Stop using plastic bags!

A few good reasons to stop using plastic bags. The chemicals in plastics are causing massive pollution, especially in the oceans.  Many animal species are affected by our plastic waste.

Most plastics contain harmful chemicals, plastic bags are especially toxic. Plastic bags are the number two ocean trash, after cigarette butts

 Up-Style Resuable Silicone Ziplock bags are just one of several alternatives to plastic bags. These can be used for protecting valuable items from water damage, storing ice cubes for camping, usid as flexible Tupperware, snacks, steaming vegetables, reheating leftovers, defrosting food, Marinades… etc.

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Shop Green Monday

What better way to Shop Green this Monday than rescue a gift from a landfill? It even saves you some green.

Amazon Warehouse has a bunch of open box deals ready for the holidays.

Earth Day 2011 events round-up. Where will you be?

Earth Day is the day set aside to inspire awareness for the planet's natural environment. Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. Denis Hayes took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network,[3] and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year.


What's happening for Earth Day in a city near you? Here are a few events..

Earth Day in Times Square — New York

EarthFair Grand Central Terminal — New York

Earth Day 2011 at Rainforest Art Foundation — Long Island City, NY

Earth Day 2011 at Hotel Monteleone — New Orleans, LA

San Francisco Earth Day Festivall 2011 — San Francisco, CA

Earth Day - Party for the Planet — Washington, DC

Earth Week at Green is Universal — Online

EarthFest LA 2011 — Los Angeles, CA

Navy Earth Day —

Sustainapalooza — Grants Pass, OR


Get a larger list of Earth Day events at earthday.org