National Public Radio 8.10.09
The plastic bag industry has spent more than a million
dollars in the fight against Seattle’s proposed bag fee. This is an important battle because Seattle
is the largest city in America to try to pass this kind legislation, and if it
goes into effect, it sets the stage for other cities to follow suit. The vote
is next Tuesday, but limited preliminary polling hasn’t provided a clear idea
of what the outcome will be. However, one thing is certain: the 20-cent fee
would be enough to incite many residents to change their habits. One shopper admitted
to NPR that while she brings her reusable bags with her to the grocery store
with good intentions, she forgets to bring them inside 80% of the time. Would the
bag fee help her remember? “I would remember. For sure,” she said.
Listen to NPR's Debate Over Plastic Bags Heats Up in Seattle
Our Take: The plastic industry’s concern for
lower-income persons is highlighted as it's reason for opposing the bill. Conspicuously
missing from NPR's coverage is any acknowledgment that the opposition may
actually be rooted in the blow that a dramatic reduction in plastic bag consumption would
deliver to the industry. Unfortunately, common misperceptions about the bag fee
were left unaddressed.For the real facts on bag fees and why they're the smartest solution to over consumption, check out our no-nonsense rebuttal to common bag fee myths.