The “Day Without a Bag” campaign aims to cut down on plastic grocery bags by focusing on changing consumer habits instead of banning the bags. Cities across the nation have held "Day Without a Bag” events in the past. On America Recycles Day, November 15, 2017, for the first time, the campaign is going regional in Fargo, Moorhead and Clay County.
The campaign was initiated by Clay County and strives to start a conversation about plastic bag usage in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Task force research is used to raise awareness about plastic bag usage, suggest alternative solutions through public outreach and minimize plastic bags going to the landfill. Plastic bags create additional litter problems in communities by polluting waterways and public areas.
Clay County, MinnKota and the Cities of Fargo and Moorhead are focused on reducing and recycling plastic bags with a giveaway. People who want to participate can bring their plastic bags into Cash Wise stores in Fargo and Moorhead from 2 to 4 p.m. November 15. The plastic bags will be recycled and people will receive a reusable shopping bag in exchange for their plastic bags. The campaign encourages people to recycle their plastic bags through the take back programs at local grocery and retail stores.
The grassroots campaign focuses on the power of consumers to make the change. Several local grocery store chains, including Hornbacher’s, Cash Wise and Family Fare, have pledged to encourage recycling of plastic bags at all of their stores and offer incentives to customers who use reusable shopping bags.