3.8 billion plastic bags are used in the Bay Area every year, and of those, millions end up in the Bay, causing harm to local marine life. And it’s not just wildlife that’s at risk, it’s the economy too.

“The plastics industry is putting profits over the health of San Francisco Bay. Plastic bag pollution is unnecessary, preventable and costly. Bags clog storm drains and recycling equipment, costing cities millions of dollars, and bag litter lowers property values and degrades recreational areas.” – David Lewis, Executive Director of Save The Bay

Save The Bay launched The Bay vs. The Bag today in an attempt to significantly reduce plastic pollution in the San Francisco Bay. The organization is currently working with Bay Area cities to require a 25 cent fee on all bags — paper and plastic — distributed by retailers. More reason to bring your reusable bag.

But the problem of plastic pollution isn’t just in San Francisco; it’s global. We’re currently working on a Ban The Bag campaign in Portland, what’s your city doing in the battle against disposable bags?

[Via: Twilight Earth]