These bans are a positive and necessary step and they do raise awareness, but the overuse of plastic is just a symbol of a larger issue. We use disposable things without thinking about the consequences. Maybe one reason we resist the idea of banning plastic bags is because somehow we know it's just the tip of the iceberg.

I found plastic bags enormously useful to have around -- not only for garbage at home, but also when walking the dog. How can plastic bags be banned? Who do those councilors think they are? Who'll police the ban? Surely not our cops. The plastic bag fiasco stands as another example of those in charge trying to improve on an issue, and going too far into an area they know little about, having done no research.

Gossip about the political future of acting Liberal boss Bob Rae seems to appeal to precisely two sorts of people: the gossips themselves -- who were in full force this weekend -- and Bob Rae. Meanwhile, Toronto City Council's Wednesday night decision to ban plastic bags from Hogtown supermarkets will provoke some manner of "national discussion" on the issue.