Plastic Bags Were So 20th Century

Photo: Steve Diddle / Istock

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It had its moment of cultural relevance before the turn of the century, when the plastic bag played a major part in the film American Beauty (scroll down). But that was the 20th Century.

Now, as USA Today enumerates in a cover story, "Massachusetts is considering taxing them. Reno is talking about banning them. Plastic shopping bags are increasingly popular targets of governments looking for ways to help the environment."

The number of communities banning, or imposing green sin taxes on the humble-turned-villainous plastic bag seems to grow by the day. And why?

They're made from petroleum (oil, that is), tend to get one use, often end up as litter, and are easily replaceable. It's not even a question of "Paper or plastic?" The question now is, "Did you remember your reusable bag?"

The plastic bag's days may be numbered, but it will still be some time before we'll be rid of the litter. At least, some people can take pleasure in it:

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