This week we asked readers their thoughts on the new ban on plastic bags from local stores and if the new plan will be successful.

Yes, I support the ban because it’s killing the marine life and our environment, so I’m totally for it. They are giving out brown paper bags, which is perfect and environmentally friendly or these things (reusable bags), which are reusable. I haven’t seen anyone giving out plastic bags. You know what I do [with the reusable bags]? I throw them in the washer with the towels and then I throw them in the dryer for six minutes and they don’t get wrinkled or anything, and then I’ve killed the bacteria.
Melinda Mendoza
Norwood

I don’t know; they say it helps against pollution, but they’re still giving out plastic bags. If people choose to get plastic bags, they’re still giving them out. Why not give reusable bags that are better for the planet? Target is using paper bags, but you still have to pay for them and if people don’t recycle them, they still end up in the environment. Also, if you’re paying with EBT or WIC you don’t have to pay for them and you can take as many as you want…I don’t think they thought this out enough.
Christine Richards
Kingsbridge

I think it’s a great idea and it’s about time. Too much of our wildlife in the ocean and land are suffering and dying because of plastic getting tangled around the limbs and fins [of animals]. Now, for us humans, I think we better figure out a way to supply us with a more proper means of getting our groceries home, because I just went grocery shopping the other day and it was a mess with confusion.
Ricci Campbell
Fordham Heights

I don’t like it. There’s some stores price gouging with the price of the paper bags. Some stores charge 75 cents and others charge a dollar for the bag. Then when you buy the bags and walk up the hills like I do, they break and my stuff goes all over the floor. With the plastic bags, you can carry five bags in each hand. The paper bags today are so thin and break so easily; the best you can do is carry one and hold it to your chest. I feel that if we can send a man to the moon, we can find a way to recycle plastic bags.
Aristides Thanasoulis
Riverdale

A lot of the stores still have them; many small businesses still use them knowing that they’re not supposed to. Honestly, it’s great getting rid of what’s killing a lot of the sea animals and destroying our environment. The only problem is the paper bags break so easily. I hope it works, I honestly like the program. We used paper bags in the 1960’s through 80’s, before plastic bags were used and they worked perfectly, so it will most definitely work now. People can also buy those heavy-duty grocery bags that are made out of a cloth-like material. I’m glad they banned plastic bags, I’m all for it.
Grace Gavilan
Belmont