BELLINGHAM - With the city's plastic bag ban set to start Wednesday, Aug. 1, some Bellingham stores are offering reusable bag promotions and classes to get people set for life after plastic.

The ban means that stores in Bellingham will no longer offer single-use plastic bags at check out. They'll charge 5 cents per paper bag as a means to encourage shoppers to use reusable bags. The ban applies to all stores, not just grocery stores.

For those who aren't yet stocked up on reusable totes, here are some of the stores offering promotions starting Aug. 1:

• Target is offering the first 5,000 customers a free reusable bag.

•Diehl Ford, 1820 James St., is offering the first 500 customers a free reusable bag.

•NW Handspun Yarns, 1401 Commercial St., will give customers who buy a reusable bag a 20 percent discount on what they can fit in that bag from Aug. 1 to Aug. 5.

•Labels consignment stores, 1512 Ellis St. and 3729 Northwest Ave., will give the first 1,000 customers a free reusable bag.

•Fred Meyer and Target will continue giving a 5-cent credit for each reusable bag used in a shopping trip.

•Village Books, 1200 11th St., is selling nylon bags for $5 - down from $7.99 - with a 15 percent discount for everything that fits in the bag.

•Fourth Corner Quilts, 1844 N. State St., will offer classes for people who'd like to make their own canvas bags from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 1, 3 and 4. Classes cost $5 and include all materials and the use of sewing machines. Call 360-714-0070.

For more information about the plastic bag ban, go online to this City of Bellingham webpage.

Reach ZOE FRALEY at zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com or call 756-2803.