BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Shoppers in Bellingham will soon have to bring their own shopping bags to grocery stores or pay 5 cents for each paper bag.
The city's ban on single-use plastic bags starts Wednesday, Aug. 1. A similar ban took effect in Seattle last month.
The Bellingham Herald reports (http://is.gd/9ZFpSU ) that stores are gearing up for the changes.
The Bellingham City Council approved the ban in July 2011 as a way to cut down on waste and to protect wildlife.
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