Seattleites pushing to ban styrofoam, charge for plastic bags

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Story Published: Jul 9, 2008 at 8:56 AM PST

By KOMO Staff

SEATTLE -- Paper or plastic? Soon your answer to that question at the supermarket could cost you.

Everyone will pay the price for the city's push to go green by banning styrofoam and charging for plastic bags.

On Tuesday people packed a public hearing at City Hall, some in costume, to have their voices heard.

While some people came dressed in plastic bags, others delivered their message by song.

But the mood quickly took a serious turn as the discussion continued.

"I'm so sick of this stuff. I'm sick of taking styrofoam home with me. It's disgusting," said one woman.

Halfway through the debate, it became clear the majority of those present supported a ban on styrofoam products like some egg cartons, supermarket meat trays and carryout boxes from restaurants.

The same group also called for stores to charge consumers 20 cents for each plastic and paper bag they use at grocery, convenience and drug stores.

"Plastics are made from petroleum. They don't break down easily. It has a lifelong impact, not just for us but for my children," said another proponent of the ban.

On the other side, representatives from every major grocery chain and several area restaurants said they fear banning styrofoam will only drive up the already high cost of food.

"We're very concerned about our consumers and particularly our consumers who can't afford or are on limited or fixed incomes, or low incomes," said Joe Gilliam with the Northwest Grocery Association.

And when it comes to charging money for plastic and paper bags, they argued, not only will checkout times double but shoplifting rates will also increase if all shoppers were allowed to bring in their own bags.

"We're also concerned with health concerns with regards to bags that are not cleaned or washed, and they're being used on and on again," said Mark Johnson with the Washington Retail Association.

Both sides do agree that recycling is the way to go, but it's just the matter of choosing the best way.

A council committee could vote on these issues in two weeks.

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