Bags on the ballot

Seattle residents will be voting this summer on whether consumers should have to pay for the plastic bags they use at retailers.

The issue on the city’s Aug. 18 ballot asks voters if they’re willing to shell out 20 cents per bag to help the environment. Seattle residents were supposed to start paying the fee in January, after the City Council adopted an ordinance, reported SeattlePI.com.

The city was the first in the nation to make such a move, which would be applicable at grocery, drug and convenience stores. However, a group funded by the American Chemistry Council blocked the initiative by gaining enough signatures of residents opposed to the measure.

Of course, shoppers who use their own reusable bags are exempt from any fees.