Baltimore is taking a huge step toward reducing the amount of waste created by disposable plastic grocery bags. In fact, an outright ban on the bags could pretty much take care of the problem if the city council decides it's the right move.

The Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee voted 3-1 yesterday in favor of a proposal to ban plastic bags at the grocery store , and now the 15-member council will vote on the issue on Monday. If approved, grocery stores would be forced to use only paper or reusable bags and the city mayor's office supports the initiative. Grocery store representatives are opposed to the idea though, pointing out that paper bags are more expensive and take more energy to produce.

In 2007, San Francisco became the first North American city to ban the use of traditional plastic grocery bags and at the time, city leaders said they hoped the trend would spread across the country. Looks like they're getting their wish. Stay tuned, because this is likely only the beginning. What do you think: is banning plastic bags in grocery stores a positive step forward or an insignificant move?

» MyFox (Washington DC)