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The article presents information related to the ban on the use of plastic shopping bags. As reported, the first municipality in North America to successfully ban plastic shopping bags, usually made from polyethylene (PE), was Leaf Rapids, Manitoba, Canada, a town of roughly 500 people. It is also reported that many countries have put taxes on bags, and in 2003, the Republic of Ireland raised eyebrows by initiating a 22-euro cent fee on every plastic bag at supermarkets.

The article offers information on the government policy on plastic bags in Ireland. The government imposed tax on plastic bag use as the Environment Ministry estimated that about 1.2 billion free plastic bags were being given every year. The success of the tax and its impact on consumer behavior is discussed. The author suggests buying a reusable shopping bag on St. Patrick's Day.

The article explains how Ireland is reducing waste in the country. According to the author, the Irish do not focus on recycling but on reducing waste that could harm the environment. The author explains how the country's decision to impose tax on plastic bags dramatically diminished the use of these materials which take around 1,000 years to naturally break down.

Editorial. Discusses events that negatively impact the plastic bag industry. Taxing of polyethylene (PE) plastic bag in Ireland; Banning of PE shopping bags in Bangladesh; Taiwan's banning of PE bags from schools, public hospitals and government agencies.

Presents updates on environmentalism as of February 2003. Information on a program for reducing plastic bags in Ireland; Location of the largest rooftop solar-power system in the U.S.; Launch of the Better World Travelers Club.

Reports on the reduction of plastic bag use by retail stores in Ireland.

Reports a tax measure designed to solve plastic bag disposal and litter problem in Ireland. Imposition of a 13 cents levy to every bag; Sale of semi-permanent shopping bags; Details of the number of bags used annually.

The article presents an update on environmental issues facing the chemical industry. Electronic Recyclers claims it is the first company in California to have recycled more than 2,000 tonnes of electronic waste in a one-month period. Demand for plastic bags in Ireland increased last year despite the plastic bag tax. ICF International has developed a project methodology in partnership with Lafarge Brasil.

The article presents statistics on a variety of topics, including the percentage of Canadian homes using compact fluorescent light bulbs in 2006, the percentage of electricity in the U.S. generated from fossil fuels and the number of plastic bags consumed in Ireland annually before the introduction of a 15-cent plastic bag tax.

The article focuses on the policy of the Irish government towards the use of plastic shopping bags. Since the passage the tax on plastic shopping bags in 2002, its use declined to 94%, with about 42 billion plastic bags were used worldwide. According to a Web site, most of the bags are not reused, and end up in landfills.

The article presents the author's experience of dealing with environmental issues. She relates that on her way to the office, she could not help noticing landscapes littered with polystyrene chunks or plastic bags. She mentions the custom in Ireland where customers are charged €0.15 for a plastic bag.

Reports the revenues raised by a tax imposed on plastic grocery bags in Ireland since its introduction in March 2002.