Stamford could become the state's first major city to ban plastic shopping bags, if lawmakers pass a bill Rep. John Zelinsky plans to introduce next month.

It would hit stores with a $100 fine if they continued using plastic bags after a six-month period.

Right now, Westport is the only other Connecticut community to ban plastic bags. It was among the first localities in the United States to get rid of them a decade ago. California has banned them statewide.

"Westport banned bags, which is why I purchased a bunch of the canvas bags," says Alison Benton. "I tend to use them."

"I know other towns have done it, so it can't be the end of the world," says Keith Friedman, of Stamford. "Trader Joe's only uses paper bags, less in the landfill. I know plastic's a big problem."