New year, fewer plastic bags.

The article focuses on retail establishments in New York City, excluding restaurants and non-profits, that will be prevented from providing single-use plastic bags to customers beginning January 1, 2012, under Ordinance No. 28877 approved by the City Council in December 2009. It says grocery stores are allowed to offer for sale recyclable paper bags to shoppers without a reusable bag. It also notes that retailers assist in preparing customers for this change.