Plastic bag ban does have merit

JACK AND DONNA RICE | Olympia • Published January 05, 2013 Modified January 04, 2013

0 comments

Our family was pleased to read Terri Thomas’ guest opinion piece entitled: “It’s time to seriously address plastic bag issue,” Dec. 29 in Other Views, The Olympian. Thank you for printing it. I recall when pull-tabs were introduced on aluminum cans. At first they were novel, useful and efficient. Very soon they became a ubiquitous eyesore. At the time I thought, “This was a long-term bad idea and we will never be rid of them.” However, steps were taken and I never see these anymore. Perhaps this can soon be the fate of plastic bags also. Seattle’s stopped single-use plastic bag retail distribution this year. Tom Watson, Ecoconsumer, in The Seattle Times, also on Dec. 29, noted that “Plastic-bag bans have also been adopted in Edmonds, Mukilteo, Bellingham, Bainbridge Island, Issaquah, Port Townsend and Portland.”

In 2010 the movie “Bag It – Is Your Life Too Plastic?” was produced. We saw this on our local TCTV and then took out a copy from the library. Plastic bags have had their day. Let’s ban their use in Thurston County. There will be some necessary adjustments and many rewards.

Similar stories:

Texas lawmaker wants to stop plastic grocery bag bans

Texas lawmaker wants to stop plastic grocery bag bans

Texas State Rep. Drew Springer embraces freedom.

Even for plastic bags.
Council supports plan to ban plastic grocery bags

Council supports plan to ban plastic grocery bags

The Olympia City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to support a proposed Thurston County ban on plastic bags at grocery stores and a small fee on paper bags.
It’s time to seriously address plastic bag issue

It’s time to seriously address plastic bag issue

The holidays once again find busy shoppers criss-crossing town, buying up all of those gifts, goodies and groceries that will likely be carried out of stores in plastic bags. But long after the holidays are over, all of those plastic bags — an estimated 90 million of them each year in Thurston County — will still be around.
Column ignores many ugly plastic bag facts

Column ignores many ugly plastic bag facts

Jan Teague and her client, the Washington Retail Association, would have us believe that the only downside to the use of plastic shopping bags is ordinary litter. As a quick google search will tell you, there’s a lot more to the story, and its a very ugly story.
Thurston County eyes plan to curb plastic bags

Thurston County eyes plan to curb plastic bags

Thurston County is seeking residents and businesses to help draft language for an ordinance to reduce the estimated 90 million plastic shopping bags used countywide each year.