'A pretend solution'

Having used reusable shopping bags for 30 years now, I applaud the local concern over what is a serious, yet very addressable environmental problem: plastic bags.
But here's the thing: charging 5 cents per bag is not going to curb their use even a little. Shoppers will pay more, the store will make money, and the bag issue will remain unaddressed.
What will curb their use is a law phasing out store plastic bags entirely - properly executed, that is the only logical solution.
Cleaning up the terrible mess we've made of this beautiful planet shared by countless creatures other than ourselves will rarely be convenient.
Charging five cents a bag is but another pretend solution that sounds pro-active but essentially accomplishes nothing.
Reusable bags are an extremely modest investment that the vast majority of Warwickians can afford.
In assistance cases, bags would be provided.
For so little then (initial cost and disciplining oneself to keep bags in the vehicle), a truly destructive problem could, in a matter of months, be eliminated.
If indeed, Warwickians truly care.
Linda Brink
Warwick