Over 100 people filled Council Chambers Monday night to attend a forum hosted by Recycling Advocates [1] to discuss the impacts of the estimated 170 to 340 million plastic grocery bags and 62 million paper bags that Portland uses each year.

[1]

21 pounds of plastic: This installation, created by Leave No Plastics Behind, will be on display at City Hall through the end of September.

Single use paper and plastic bags increase our dependence on foreign oil, generate greenhouse gas emissions, create harmful litter, and use unnecessary energy and resources.

Sam is looking for a way to reduce single-use shopping bags that is "good for the environment, good for business and good for the consumer."

The most obvious way to break our "bag habit" is to use a reusable bag. Much like separating our recyclables from our trash or returning bottles for a deposit, it will require a change in our usual behavior.

Education and outreach on this issue is critical, but is it enough? Some cities, states and countries around the world [2] have imposed bans and fees to address this issue. What is the right approach for Portland?

Our Draft Discussion Guide [2] outlines some of the perceived concerns and potential program elements for a Reusable Bag Strategy. We welcome your comments and feedback.

EMAIL

Your Email: *

Your Name: *

Send To: *

Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas.

Message Subject: (Your Name) has forwarded a page to you from CommissionerSam.com

Message Body: (Your Name) thought you would like to see the CommissionerSam.com web site.

Your Personal Message: *