During these trying economic times, firms may have become particularly reticent to pass on additional costs to a weakened consumer base as well as implement environmental practices. However, as highlighted in a Feb. 24 New York Times article, “”Many Plans to Curtail Use of Plastic Bags, but Not Much Action,”” local governments may soon begin to impose a 5-20 cent fee for plastic bags. In an effort to shore up state budgets and appease environmental groups, consumers may finally be forced to internalize the negative externality of excess litter and pollution caused from the manufacture/use of plastic bags.

Although I would like to lie about how great of a victory this is for Captain Planet, in reality, this “”green”” decision only serves the bottom line. Case in point: recycling, long the darling of politicians who lauded the extra money communities could garner while doing the moral good. When asset prices fall and recycling stops paying for itself, going green can only mean a tax.

– Paul Cervantes is an accounting and business economics senior.