Although many critics are skeptical of the success of Live Earth, I certainly beg to differ. Among other things, personally I have realized how much American consumers are bombarded with plastic bags at the checkout counter. After a recent grocery store visit, I counted 32 bags (and I don't eat that much! lol). I know most environmental activists advise us to use our own reusable bags when shopping, but I still feel that it is not enough. I literally have to insist that most cashiers allow me to use my own bags. I don't blame them, it has become part of our culture.
I lived in Germany for a few years and although I found it peculiar at the time, we were usually required to pay a few cents extra for plastic grocery bags. It certainly curbed my plastic bag use. Many other countries have adopted similar policies, in fact some have banned plastic bags all together. San Fransisco is the only major US city I am aware of which is in the process of banning plastic bag use. I would like to work towards seeing similar policies instituted in the US. I live in New York , and I am willing to work with people who live in this city and also those who live all over the country who are interested in working together to reduce the use of plastic bags in America.