Austin OKs disposable bag ban for 2013

Reusable shopping bags

Need a few reusable shopping bags to tote home your goods? My favorites are from Whole Foods, where the bags cost under a buck, and the designs change regularly. Their latest, made from recycled plastic bottles, was created with pop music star and environmental activist Sheryl Crow to support the Natural Resources Defense Council.

A Better Bag, 99 cents, Need a few reusable shopping bags to tote home your goods? My favorites are from Whole Foods, where the bags cost under a buck, and the designs change regularly. Their latest, made from recycled plastic bottles, was created with pop music star and environmental activist Sheryl Crow to support the Natural Resources Defense Council.A Better Bag, 99 cents, Whole Foods less Reusable shopping bags

Need a few reusable shopping bags to tote home your goods? My favorites are from Whole Foods, where the bags cost under a buck, and the designs change regularly. Their latest, made from Need a few reusable shopping bags to tote home your goods? My favorites are from Whole Foods, where the bags cost under a buck, and the designs change regularly. Their latest, made from ... more Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Austin OKs disposable bag ban for 2013 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

The Austin City Council has approved a ban on disposable plastic and paper bags at checkout counters for retailers.

The ban approved early Friday takes effect next March.

Reusable bags that are allowed include those made of cloth, durable materials or thicker paper and plastic bags with handles.

The ban has exemptions, including single-use bags for newspapers, bulk foods and carry-out items from restaurants. Charitable groups relying on single-use bags to distribute food and other assistance are also exempt.

Supporters of the disposable bag ban raised trash and other environmental concerns.

Leaders of the Texas Retailers Association and other critics have said they fear the bag ban will affect business.

Austin city officials plan to spend $2 million on an education campaign about the ban.