Protestors take stance against bag ban

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Get ready for a change when you go shopping. The city's ban on disposable bags starts tomorrow. But not everyone is on board with the big change.

Some Austin shoppers spent the day fighting the ban at the last minute.

Despite the opposition to the new ordinance  the message at Austin grocery stores is clear. On March 1st, disposable bags will be a thing of the past.

With only hours left before the ban takes effect some shoppers are still trying to adjust to the new rules at the checkout.

"Now I just have to remember to put my bags in the car and make sure they're there when I go to the store," said Angel Austin, as she left the grocery store with a reusable bag in hand.

But those against the new ordinance are also taking action. A group of University of Texas students spent the day protesting the ban by handing out bags in opposition; saying the ban goes too far.

"There's plenty of ways to be eco-friendly without taking away people's individual liberties," said John Horton with The Young Conservatives of Texas. 

The group is hoping to get the ban lifted. A local retail group has already filed a lawsuit against saying it violates state law.

While the ordinance is certainly sparking debate, some shoppers aren't fighting the change.

"I don't feel anything about it i think its a token effort at being somewhat ecological," said Bill Shumake,

Austin shoppers use about 282 million disposable bags every year.

Supporters of the ban are hoping it will help clean up the community, and stop plastic bags from ending up on the side of the street.

However shoppers feel; one things for certain that on Friday, it's out with the old and in with the reusable.