Join the anti-plastic bag rally 1/22

A disposable plastic bag ban -- or tax -- was supposed to come up for vote at the LA County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. But now, this eco-initiative's hit a snafu -- and environmentalists are planning a rally!

Why? The supervisors are trying to water down the goals to reduce plastic bag pollution. Jessica Belsky of Heal the Bay describes the situation thusly:

Our agreement as of Tuesday with several Board of Supervisors’ offices was that reduction and recycling efforts need to reach 35% by 2010 and 70% by 2013; if these reduction goals are not met the Board would consider a bag ban.  The County is unfortunately proposing to now further reduce these goals. Because of Heal the Bay’s opposition to this additional weakening, the Board may AGAIN postpone a vote on this critical decision.  The County’s latest proposal is simply greenwashing and only does lipservice to the blight and environmental damage caused by plastic bags.  In the past few weeks, China, Australia, and cities throughout California have proposed or adopted plastic bag bans. It’s a sad day when we have to look to China for environmental leadership.

As you can imagine, Heal the Bay and other enviro-organizations and individuals aren't happy about it. Thus, all are invited to attend a rally on the stairs outside the Board of Supervisors hearing room -- then to attend the hearing.

When: Tuesday, January 22. Rally at noon, board meeting at 1 pm
Where: Rally on the stairs on Temple Ave. outside the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration; Board meeting in 383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.
Info: Wear red to match other activists, and bring a reusable bag to show your solidarity.

Barring undue delays at the appointment I have with my doc that morning, I shall be there, reusable tote in hand. Join me!

Photo courtesy of envirowoman