Here's what we found:

There has been a significant reduction in new carryout bags being distributed with 2/3 of customers using their own bags or no bags.
Over 27% of customers are bringing their own bags.
Over 39% are going without a bag.
Over 25% are purchasing a bag.
Over 8% are taking a free reusable plastic bag where these are being distributed.
Three stores have judged that a heavy weight plastic bag is considered reusable and therefore is allowed with no required charge. Thus, they are handing them out for free.
A handful of other stores are charging for reusable plastic bags.
For us, this raises these questions regarding free plastic carryout bags handed to customers in stores:

a)  Are customers discouraged from reusing the bag because they're being distributed for free?

b)  Will customers consider it single use and throw it away adding to landfill or litter?

c)  Should the City of Napa considering amending the ordinance requiring a minimum 10 cent charge for any reusable carryout bag?

Click here to see chart of the findings by store. A big thanks to all the volunteers including our Vintage High volunteer, Katelyn, who helped with the survey as part of her senior project. 

WHAT'S NEXT? A few CanDo representatives will be presenting the findings to the City staff and council members. Comments or questions? Send us an email: nvcando@gmail.com