Localizing the bag ban story

San Francisco's decision to ban plastic grocery bags is generating headlines in news media around the globe. But the story won't end there. In the next few days, newspapers and TV news crews around the country will be looking at whether their cities should do the same thing.

One place where journalists go for story ideas is Al's Morning Meeting, a Web site updated daily with suggestions from Al Tompkins of the Poynter Institute, a training ground for journalists in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Why is that relevant to the plastics industry? Because Al's column today leads with the plastic bag ban story. It's loaded with data, potential story angles and links for more information. You can be sure that a fair number of media outlets around the country will pick up on his story ideas.

So if you're in the bag making or plastics recycling business, don't be surprised if you get a call in the next couple of days from a local reporter looking for a bag ban-related story.

Better yet, why not pick up the phone and make the first move? Make sure the local media knows what's at stake for your company, and your local employees, if a ban comes. Or highlight what you're doing with recycled or degradable plastics, and your efforts to make your company "green" and "sustainable." Reporters are looking for local angles now, and this is an opportunity to make sure they include your point of view.