Portland, Oregon just announced a proposal that would have local grocers charging between 5 and 20 cents per plastic bag. This proposal is put forth by city councilman and Mayor-elect Sam Adams. (Not the brewer/patriot!)
I had written on June 20th about the environmental impact of the 500 billion – 1 trillion bags being produced annually. How they clog water drainage systems, are mistaken for food by marine animals, and are simply mucking up the landscape of our planet.
Many communities world-wide have already chosen to ban the flimsy plastic bags, from small towns in England to Bangladesh and Ireland.
The precedence has been set.
The money raised from the plastic bag fees would go towards re-usable bags for low income citizens, as well as recycling programs.
Is it difficult to bring your own bags when shopping?
Absolutely not. I always practice this, and it’s simply a matter of a habit. I keep my stash of hodge-podge reusable bags in the car, and it takes maybe 15 extra seconds to grab them when shopping. The five cents per bag I get from bringing my own bag is certainly an incentive, but I would be willing to give it up for the greater good. (See how generous I can be?)
For the price of a minor inconvenience, a world-wide environmental problem could be eradicated.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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Great post. The importance of using reusable bags really needs to be spread more via word of mouth–the best way to get the word out.
Yes, if we all do our small part, we can make a big impact.
I started a reusable bag company in 2007 for that very reason. It’s called Ecologie Bags. If you’re interested in affordable, yet stylish reusable bags, check them out at http://www.ecologiebags.com.
Cindy