Seattle leading green movement by banning plastic bags
Seattle took another step in furthering its reputation as one of the leading green cities in the country by voting to ban plastic bags in the future. The ordinance takes effect in July 2012. It includes a provision to charge a nickel fee for the use of, to encourage people to bring their own bags when they go shopping. The paper bag fee is not unique. In Washington, DC, businesses that sell food or alcohol must charge 5 cents for each carryout paper or plastic disposable bag.
The ban is expected to reduce pollution, free up landfill space and improve the environment. Seattle's residents use 292 million plastic bags and 68 million paper bags a year. About 82% of paper bags are recycled, while only 13% of plastic bags are recycled. Nearby communities such as Mukilteo, Edmonds, Bellingham and Portland also have banned plastic bags. Numerous municipalities across the country are also considering laws to restrict the use of plastic bags.
The Seattle council voted to charge a 20-cent fee on paper and plastic bags in 2008, but the plastics industry spent $1.4 million backing a referendum to overturn it. Voters defeated the fee in 2009. Officials in the industry haven't said whether they would launch another referendum, but they have stated they'd push for a statewide bag recycling program similar to those in several states.
Councilmember Mike O'Brien, the bill's prime sponsor, said he felt the months of work on this proposal, with lots of input from both businesses and environmental groups, resulted in an ordinance that will work for everyone. He noted that low-income people who can show eligibility in a food assistance program will not be charged the paper bag fee.
Council President Richard Conlin commended the council and advocates for the positive way the ordinance evolved and the substantive public involvement in the process.
"It's going to really make a difference for our environment," he said.
During a short public comment session at the beginning of the meeting, four people dressed as "bag monsters" in costumes made from plastic bags serenaded the council with a holiday tribute. Only one person spoke out against the ordinance, saying she wondered if the ban would really help the environment and remove plastic already in the Puget Sound.
Rosen called Seattle one of the largest cities to pass such a ban, but a similar ban in San Jose, Calif., goes into effect Jan. 1. San Jose has 946,000 residents compared with Seattle's 608,000. A platic bag ban in Los Angeles County, but not the city, went into effect in July.
Hilex Poly Co., the country's largest plastic bag manufacturer, believes the ban pushes consumers toward more resource-intensive alternatives.
"By voting to implement a ban on plastic bags, the city of Seattle misses the opportunity to lead the way toward the meaningful reduction of litter through increased statewide recycling efforts," said Mark Daniels, vice president of sustainability and environmental policy for the company, in a written statement.
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