The Problem:
Every year, over a trillion plastic bags and 10 billion paper bags are used in the United States. This equals to over 12 billion barrels of oil used to produce a product that only gets recycled 1 in a 100 times.. And even if these bags are recycled, it is a costly process. Since these plastic and paper bags are rarely recycled, they linger in landfills for up to 1000 years or find their way in our marine systems where they can take up to 450 years to decompose. Not only are these plastic bags and paper bags unsightly, they threaten 267 marine species as well as our natural forestries. While plastic and paper bags hurt the environment, they also hurt consumers. Retailers in the United States spend $4 billion a year to have plastic and paper retail bags available for their customers. This cost is, then, reflected in the price of goods at the store. Not only do plastic and paper bags hurt our environment, but they also hurt our wallets!
Our Solution:
We would like to propose a ban and/or fee on plastic bags, which would mimic countries like China or cities like Washington D.C. China has seen a 90% drop in plastic bag use since free plastic bags were banned. Grocery stores in Washington D.C. have also started charging a nickel for each disposable plastic bag, which has increase the use of reusable bags in the city.
In order for our solutions to be implemented, we are requesting signatures that we will be able to show the alderman of the City of Chicago. By showing them these signatures, we hope to gain their endorsement. We will, then, proceed to working with the City of Chicago as a whole with the help of the alderman.
Help us ban plastic and paper bags! SIgn our petition today.

Reusable Bags Chicago