Plastic in Connecticut

Here in Connecticut, a local town is trying to ban the use of plastic bags. The idea is that shoppers use recyclable brown bags, or bring their own bags. Local TV news has run this story for at least two days now interviewing people from both sides of the discussion.

Occasionally I get to share a success story about how the "New South Africa" is better since the 1994 election and ensuing general decline of the country. There are only a handful of these success stories, so pay close attention.

The new government passed a law requiring retailers to charge a few cents for each plastic bag purchased when bagging groceries. It is about 10 cents per bag. This small change is enough to encourage the vast preponderance of shoppers to bring their own bags. The law gives shoppers the choice to purchase plastic bags, put items into self-supplied bags, or take the purchased items without bags. This law resulted in significantly less litter on the roadside and higher percentage of shoppers bringing reusable bags for their purchases.

Of course, the public cried out when the law went into effect. Every change is difficult. However, shoppers quickly realized the value of the law and adjusted accordingly. Now, shoppers are in the habit of taking a shopping bag when departing for the grocery store as naturally as they remember to take a wallet to pay for the purchase.

The moral of the story is that change is always uncomfortable. Even if the change is positive. Knowing that change is uncomfortable, you should take note of the circumstances where you adjust to change the quickest and follow these steps again when you are faced with changes in the future.

Your actions and thoughts that allow you to adjust to change faster may be the one lesson from 2008 that carries you to new heights of success in 2009.