Emilia Teasdale reports in the Columbia Paper that local stores are preparing customers for the statewide plastic bag ban that goes into effect March 1. New York is banning any plastic bag that is provided to a customer by “a person required to collect tax to be used by the customer to carry tangible personal property.” There are exceptions: bags for uncooked meat, fish or poultry; to package bulk items such as fruits, vegetables, grains or candy; to contain food sliced or prepared to order; and for newspaper for delivery to a subscriber are allowed. And bags sold in bulk to a consumer at the point of sale; trash bags; food storage bags; garment bags; bags prepackaged for sale to a customer; plastic carryout bags provided by a restaurant, tavern, or similar food service establishment to carry out or deliver food; and bags provided by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs are also allowed. Stores are required to collect plastic bags and bread bags and plastic wraps that come over cases of water, and paper towels. Hannaford and many other stores will charge a nickel fee for paper bags, and are also selling reusable bags. The Hudson Area Library is collecting tote bags and partnering with the Columbia County Department of Social Services to distribute the bags to residentsin need. Read more about this story in the Columbia Paper.