Plastic Bags
Dear Editor: I would like to thank the members of the Sitka community who have voiced their concerns about the proposed plastic bag ordinance, particularly the most recent contributors to the letters section this week.
In responding to the issues raised in this, and in other forums since the last Assembly meeting, I would like to say that the Bags for Change group understands that change is hard, and we also understand that people feel taken by surprise when a proposal for change starts to look more and more like the new ‘‘normal.’’ Although our campaign has been going since 2016, the vote last week to support the ordinance has brought it one step closer and people are now taking it more seriously.
Some community members have said that it is unfair and irresponsible to change other people’s behavior without their agreement, or by using a financial penalty. We agree. That is why this ordinance applies to the bags at the point of sale. This gives everyone the opportunity to make a choice, and that is a very Sitka position. Fifty-one percent of the people we surveyed thought this was the best option, out of the four they were offered. For the record, the choices offered were a ban, a fee that would go to the schools and electricity costs, handed out for free, or no opinion. Fewer than 17 percent thought we should continue to hand out “free” bags.
We were happy with either of the first two options and the survey helped guide our final proposal to the Assembly. While we cannot debate statements of opinion about the role of government in making decisions on behalf of the community, we can provide information and continue to provide bags for those who need them. We hope that people will choose the healthier, more sustainable option of reusable shopping bags.
For those who are concerned about the costs to business and the use that the city would make of the funds, there are a few important details that everyone should know.
Based on conversations with some Sitka businesses and expected reduction trends (of 68-90 percent) in other cities, the most that the city will receive is $64,000-$75,000 in the first year, and $50,000 in the following years. And while we don’t know the challenges of individual businesses, if implemented as described, the benefit to businesses are expected to compensate or possibly outweigh the costs to businesses because of the reduction in bag costs to those businesses. The biggest stores could save $18,000-$37,000 in bag costs in the first year. Scaled down, a store giving away 40,000 bags a year might save $720-$1,480 in bag costs in the first year.
We have created a list of more than 20 concerns and research-based responses about plastic bag legislation. These concerns and responses are publicly available on Facebook under my name, Michelle Putz, and include links to information about the experiences of other communities who have implemented bans and fees. We hope to find other venues for sharing this information so we can have a more informed discussion and debate.
Michelle Putz,
Volunteer with Bags for Change
