green: Free Reusable Bag Distribution in DC

I was headed past my nearby CVS and saw signs up advertising “Free Reusable Bags – Today Only!” I stopped in, picked up 2–they said it was ok–and asked if it was all locations today or just this one.

Turns out that today, it’s just the CVS at Navy Yard Metro, but there’s a list at Green DC with the remaining CVS/pharmacy distribution locations and dates for 2009:

• 12/18/09: 401 M Street, NW
• 12/21/09: 2646 Naylor Road, SE
• 12/22/09: 3230 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Looks like the remaining locations aren’t very reachable by most non-drivers/DC workers except for tomorrow, 12/18. Still, it doesn’t look as though they were focusing the giveaways on what seem like the more environmentally conscious parts of the city. Even so, the free CVS GreenBagTag is nice as it gives back $1 on your ExtraCare card with every 4th visit when you use it with any reusable bag.

From the Green DC “Skip the Bag, Save the River” page:

Beginning January 1, 2010, District businesses that sell food or alcohol must charge you 5 cents for each disposable paper or plastic carryout bag.

The business keeps 1 cent, or 2 cents if it offers a rebate when you bring your own bag.

And the remaining 3 or 4 cents go to the new Anacostia River Protection Fund. DDOE will administer this fund. We will use it to provide reusable bags, educate the public about litter, and clean up the river.

So it will behoove everyone to remember to bring their own bag, or just suffer through the annoyance of the fee. I know I’ll always have at least one bag on me from now on!