Plastic bags stuck in trees. Plastic water bottles on the ground. Both items have become a ubiquitous part of the American landscape.

There’s not much hope of reducing the number of plastic bags blowing down streets—legislators aren’t likely to ban the item as Ireland and a handful of other countries have done—but it could be different with plastic bottles.

Michigan is already one of the few states in the nation to require a deposit on soft drink and beer bottles. That move was made in 1976, back when the sale of bottled water was unheard of.

The same group that spearheaded the original drive—the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)—aims to expand that law to include plastic water bottles and juice bottles.

Just like in the 1970s, store owners are strongly opposed to the proposal. Sorting and storing bottles is already a challenge and retailers dread the additional cost and inconvenience.

Those pushing for expansion talk about the success of the original bottle bill—less litter, more jobs, recycling—and they point out that retailers made it work once and suggest that adjustments can be made again.

That’s easier said than done, but if you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’d like grocers to give it a try. Surveys suggest that more than 75 percent of Michigan’s residents are tired of seeing plastic bottles as litter and as trash, and they’re looking for a change.

If you’re so inclined, MUCC wants your help. The group urges supporters to visit its website (www.mucc.org) and look for the on-line petition.

If a majority of citizens show their support for the proposal, MUCC feels it might have the muscle to defeat the retailers’ lobby in Lansing.

Sign up to help convince legislators that Michigan’s 32-year-old bottle law is now out of date. Changes in buying habits have led to an entirely new form of pollution.