City Greenlights Plastic Bag Ban

Plastic bags will soon be history in Calabasas.

The approved an ordinance Tuesday night that will prohibit local grocers from using plastic bags beginning July 1.

City Attorney Michael Colantuono said the wording used in the city's ordinance was based on language used in the ban for unincorporated LA County areas, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in November.

The city of Santa Monica passed a similar ban last week.

Once the ordinance goes into effect, groceries in town such as , , and Maddy's Market will only be able to offer "recyclable paper carryout bags," made of at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled materials.

The city is also encouraging shoppers to use their own reusable bags.

The carryout bags will cost patrons 10 cents apiece, according to a city staff report.

The monies can only go toward costs associated with complying with the requirements mentioned in the ordinance.

Alex Farassati, the city's Environmental Services Supervisor, said local groceries and members of the reported no opposition to the plastic bag ban.

"We have zero opposition, how often do we get that?" Said Mayor Barry Groveman.

Resident and Heal the Bay Volunteer Mary Hubbard said she was also in favor of the new ordinance.

"It's too bad retailers didn't do this voluntarily," she said. "I'm hoping people will forego the paper bags and bring their own bags."