Paper or Plastic: NEITHER!
Seattle prides itself on being a green city, and it seems to be working because this area is gorgeous. Unfortunately it can be taken a step too far.
SEATTLE - Starting next year, shoppers at Seattle stores will have to bring their own bags to carry their purchases home or face a 20 cent per bag fee.
The Seattle City Council voted 6-1 to impose the fee on disposable paper and plastic bags starting January 1.
Only Jan Drago voted against it. She supports the idea, but warns the city is getting pushy.
"The day will come in this city when people will say 'enough is enough. This council, this mayor, this city have asked too much,'" said Drago. ...
Grocers worry that a fee will discriminate against lower income customers. ...
Also, taking affect January 1 is a ban on Styrofoam food and beverage containers. Stores will also have to find alternatives for clear plastic containers and plastic forks and spoons, which will be banned in 18 months. Many compostable alternatives are already being used. [full story]
No, I don't hate the environment, but I think this puts the wrong spin on everything. Instead of penalizing people for using disposable bags, why not reward those who bring their own bags? This is just a thinly veiled attempt to squeeze out another tax. And why does it have to be a government law? Why don't we just let businesses do this on their own if they want to? Microsoft has already switched to compostable utensils, plates and cups without a law enforcing it. All this law does is make people angry at the idea of reducing trash. It's the wrong message at the wrong time. You can't tax people into conformity.