Kent City Council hears options for eliminating plastic bag waste

Prior to the Kent city council meeting Wednesday, a commission dedicated to researching plastic bag use in the area reported their progress in front of the council.

Plastic Bags in Kent from Jacob Derwin on Vimeo.

The dialogue, headed by local biologist Ann Gilmore, is just the start to what she hopes will someday become an ordinance banning plastic bags in Kent. The creation of bag sharing programs and promoting reusable bags is likely, as is adding costs for customers who request plastic bags. Some businesses like One Love Yoga & Boutique and the local farmer’s market have already committed to asking customers to bringing reusable bags with them or fostering a bag share program.

“We haven’t approached too many of the shop owners. We’re still getting some baseline information,” Gilmore said. “We still have work to do.”

The idea of establishing an ordinance against plastic bags met some resistance from council members, some of whom pointed out plastic bags are easily reused as garbage bags or pet cleanup. Mayor Jerry Fiala said he’s noticed an equal amount of plastic and paper bags littered on local streets.

“It’s just about changing your behavior. Small inconveniences just might now become something that’s a way of life down the road,” Gilmore said.

Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer, who always shops with multiple reusable bags, said councilman Garret Ferrara made the first move to try and limit the problem. He asked his peers to consider a ban on plastic bags entirely.

“I have to say, my jaw dropped. I did not expect that coming from anybody on council,” Shaffer said. “So I immediately seconded the motion. This is something that other communities have done.”

Although other cities have implemented full plastic bag bans, Shaffer said the commission likely won’t support that move. A full ban could financially burden small businesses in the city, and others may have already branded their bags.

Instead, she supports local businesses that encourage customers to use reusable bags and bring them each time they shop. Shaffer also added a ban on plastic bags would be a radical step and would require “just cause.” Instead, she prefers promoting reusable bags.

“If it hits people in the pocketbook and they have to think about it, even if it’s a dime, people are going to say, ‘Oh, you don’t need to double-bag that’ or ‘I don’t need a bag,’” Shaffer said. “I think we just need more awareness and I think that’s what the sustainability commission is about. I’m really kind of tired of being the crazy bag lady when I go into stores.”