In January, a ban on plastic bags at New Castle stores will go into effect.

It will also require retailers to charge 10 cents for paper shopping bags.

Steven Wolk, who chairs the town's Sustainability Advisory Board, says the law will save retailers money and protect the environment.

Plastic waste often winds up in waterways, he says, and is not biodegradable.

But shoppers won't necessarily have to pay the fee every time they bring home groceries.

Some grocery stores are already selling reusable bags, like Chappaqua Village Market. Other non-retail business owners are making their own reusable bags as a marketing tool, like Ted Holmes, a local realtor.