Ban plastic bags

Americans use 30 billion plastic bags annually. Plastic bags never truly decompose, and only 5 percent actually make it to the designated recycling areas. I was born and raised in Spokane and am currently a student at Western Washington University in Bellingham. The lack of plastic bags was one of the first daily-life differences I noticed upon moving here.

Shoppers must provide their own reusable bag or purchase a paper bag for 5 cents. Effective as of 2012, there is a total ban on single-use plastic bags (or those less than 2.25 mils thick).

Despite the wonderful qualities Spokane possesses, and the ongoing progress of the city, there is always room for improvement. One beneficial change would be a plastic bag ban throughout Spokane County. There are many options that could simplify this shift. While a total ban would be ideal, simply switching to thick, reusable plastic bags is another viable option.

Additionally, shoppers will likely find it much easier to remember their reusable bags when plastic bags are unavailable and they are charged a minute fee for a paper bag. As the Bellingham Herald stated: “[free plastic bags] are a convenience our planet can no longer afford.”

Jadyn Parsons

Bellingham