his month, San Diego took a step toward banning the use of plastic bags in grocery stores and other retail outlets. Nearly 80 cities in California have already instituted similar bans, and cities and counties nationwide, from Dallas to Madison, Wis., are steeped in debate over the merits of the sweeping measures.
Supporters say plastic bags are an unnecessary environmental menace and that banning them is the best way to curb plastic bag litter, especially in waterways.
Opponents say such measures are an infringement upon personal choice, are expensive for retailers and actually do little to reduce litter.
Which side is right? The answer, like most other hotly contested issues in the U.S., is buried somewhere in the mess and the money.