Study on bacteria in reusable bags adds fuel to debate over plastic-bag ban

Apparently those reusable, fabric shopping bags that are increasingly popular in L.A. can carry a lot of bacteria if they are not regularly washed. The Pasadena Star-News reports on the recent study:

The findings have been thrust into a debate in the state legislature, which is considering a bill that would ban single-use, paper or plastic shopping bags in favor of more environmentally friendly reusable bags.

Placement of 'sharrows' concern some bikers: Streetsblog L.A. reports on concerns among members of the L.A. biking community about the city's pilot 'sharrow' program:

Even the LACBC, who has been the chief supporters of the project, have written to the LADOT asking for better care in placing these markings so as not to direct cyclists to drive in an uneven pattern or even to ride within the "door zone."

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Photo: Getty Images

Comments

[A.]

Thanks plastic bag industry, think I'll keep my WASHABLE reusable bags. I do appreciate your sincere concern regarding my health.

[Kurt]

Well there are bacteria all over the place. We have all become germophobes to the nth degree. Not all bacteria are harmful and as we try to sanitize everything in sight we simply up the ante for the bacteria and they are always trumping us.

When are we going to learn that we do not and cannot live in a sterile world?

[Harry M]

How about, um, just throwing the bag in the washing machine once in a while? I dunno, is that problem solved? I don't get paid enough for these ideas.