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SB 1009 goes too far in "prohibiting" the use of plastic bags as checkout bags. The workable solution would simply be to charge (or even tax!) for using or buying plastic bags when they are needed. If this self-righteous bill passes, I can already see myself at the Fred Meyer self-checkout defiantly putting my groceries in old Fred Meyer plastic bags with handles.

I use and re-use the bags made of thin plastic for many reasons: wrapping used cat litter before putting it in the trash; protecting my commuter bag from leaky meals; protecting purchases like new clothing from the other items in my tote bag; and as trash bags on airplanes and in cars. In China, when the zipper broke on my daypack I tied the opening with a plastic bag (a technique I had observed in use by a street person in Portland.) Those fancy paper shopping bags with handles that we get at REI and Nordstrom take up too much room in my tote.

If plastic and plastic objects leave indelible and dangerous traces in the environment, let's address the issue in sensible ways that might actually have a positive impact.

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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