2/2/10
By Rachel Azevedo
Checking out at Bend's Newport Market grocery store, many shoppers still go for the convenience of plastic bags, though paper is available. If a lawmaker from Beaverton has his way, plastic bags could be banned from all retail stores in Oregon. The state enviornmental committee heard testimony from representatives of the Willamette River Keepers, recyclers, and grocers Tuesday afternoon. Another hearing is set for next week.
Consumers who spoke to KOHD are open to the idea of banning plastic for environmental reasons, but it comes at a cost for businesses.
"I think they should do away them. I was born in Hawaii and lived there for a long time, and that stuff gets in the ocean," said Bob Carlsmith.
"It'll mean an increase cost in doing business. Paper bags cost us about 15 cents apiece. Plastic bags cost us about 3 cents apiece," said Spike Bement of Newport Market.
A downtown Bend store, At the Beach, only offers plastic bags to customers; primarily because the owner says it makes sense for the product she sells, swim suits.
"If someone has a wet one [swim suit], just to take it home, they can reuse my bags," said Kelly Brooks, owner of At the Beach.
She buys bags that claim to be recyclable, spending three to four thousand dollars every other year on orders. She says paper bags with handles are at least twice as much.
"It's a big deal when you go to buy supplies of any kind. It's definately something you have to budget. It's not very fun to order them and put money out for that because it's not something that in turn makes you money," said Brooks.
Even with the added expense, she too is in favor of phasing out plastic bags. Shoppers in Bend say plastic is most convenient, but could get used to doing without.
"It would be [inconvenient] for a time, but I think people would get used to it, especially if the store is providing the fabric or paper bags," said Betty Hatfield.
The Oregon Sierra Club supports the bill, in part because paper bags are made of more recycled content than plastic bags. If the bill passes the enviornmental committee, it'll go before the senate.
Comments
This is a no-brainer. Can't
This is a no-brainer. Can't we help protect our environment? I would be happy to shell out for bags if I did not bring my own reusable bag. Time to grow up and show some intelligence. Protecting our environment can only help us all. Too bad the Bulletin can't figure this out.
Ban for plastics
Banning of plastic bags is talked for many years from now. But unfortunately, many states are not observing this act of environment deeds. Just like one of the grocery stores near by our condo, they never used paper bags for packing the grocery items they are selling. If only, local officials will be strict in banning of plastic bags then we might further save our environment for further destruction. We are aware that plastic wastes are often seen in public beaches we used to hang out and swim. These plastics that contributed floods when heavy rain is expected trap at our sewages and canals. We should act fast before it’s too late to save and protect our nature’s remaining beauty and richness. I do believe that the first step towards this is to our own discipline and own effort to help our state eliminate such harmful element in our nature.