Scientists estimate that it could take up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to "go away". Plastic bags are not biodegradable. Plastic bags photodegrade, meaning they break down into smaller and smaller pieces all while emitting toxins into the atmosphere.

Plastic bags pose a significant threat to marine life "Ninety-seven percent of Laysan Albatross chicks that were found dead by the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, they all had plastic in their stomachs." - Michael Bolinder on NPR

Roughly 95% of all plastic bags in United States are NOT recycled, according to the US Environment Protection Agency.

Plastic bags are an unnecessary environmental burden. We don't need to use plastic bags; canvas bags are a great alternative.

Banning or restricting plastic bags isn't a new idea. Other countries have already taken action. Ireland, for example, has a tax on plastic bags. China's complete ban of plastic bags has saved them roughly 4.8 million tonnes of oil as of June 2012, as stated by an NDRC government offical. In all, over 1/3 of the worlds' countries have restricted plastic bags.

Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle are among the first to ban plastic bags in the United States. Vermont can be next! With YOUR signature, we're one step closer to cleaning up Vermont.

After signing, check out the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/VT.PlasticShoppingBagBan