Dive Summary:

• The Arcata, California city council has unanimously agreed to pass an ordinance that will ban plastic bags from being used in the retail community.
• The ban affects businesses including food and convenience stores, pharmacies and retail shops. The ordinance will not yet be implemented for restaurants while bags used for packaging meat, prescriptions, bulk foods and produce are exempt.
• The new ordinance, scheduled to begin on February 1, 2014, was put into place in order to reduce greenhouse gasses while simultaneously eliminating litter and waste.

From the article:

”I really think it's time for us at least in Arcata to promote reusable bags,” Councilwoman Alex Stillman said.

The council unanimously agreed that stores under 10,000 feet should not be exempt from the ban because it sends a stronger message.

Food establishments will not be affected because the city is waiting until litigation out of San Francisco regarding a ban of plastic bags at restaurants is resolved, according to the city. However the ordinance could be amended later to include these businesses.