Item 4: Ordinance on Suspension of Paper Bag Pass-Through Charge

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Because we charge .05 people won't buy a bag unless they absolutely need one. If we don't charge for a bag most people will take a bag whether they need one or not and then we've accomplished nothing. People have so many reusable bags not being used in their homes and cars. Instead of lifting the bag charge encourage retailers to start a reusable bag bin their stores (customers leave their unwanted reusable bags in the bin). If people (poor people) need a bag they can take what they need from the bin. Again, the system is perfect. Please don't cave to the minority loudmouths. We'll figure out a way to get bags to those that can't afford them. Regards, Clayton Pauer 541.842.0886 * 5/14/13 – email to Mayor, City Manager, and City Council It might be wise for some of you to look at this. What you have put into place is about as crazy as this city can get. I really cannot believe the lack of common sense on this. I always recycled and reused these bags. I will now carry my own plastic bags. And answer me this, who get the $.05 stupid charge for the paper bags. Harold Greer – who has lived in Eugene for 60 years and I was once proud of this city. Included forwarded email from Hilex Poly: When lawmakers across the country discuss plastic shopping bag bans and taxes, it's because the public perception of plastic bags is often based on junk science and distorted claims. However, our brand new infographic will help set the record straight. Here are the facts about plastic bags:  Plastic bags are environmentally friendly. They're 100% recyclable and 90% of consumers reuse them. Plus, the rate of recycling is increasing thanks to the 30,000+ recycling drop-off locations across the country.  Alternative grocery bags are worse for the environment. Manufacturing paper bags requires 70% more energy than plastic bags -- and for every 7 trucks needed to deliver paper bags, only 1 truck is needed for the same number of plastic bags. So- called "reusable" bags are no better. A standard cotton grocery bag must be reused a whopping 131 times to ensure it has lower global warming potential than a single-use of a plastic bag. And other types of reusable bags are made from foreign oil and cannot be recycled.  Bag bans and taxes are causing local businesses to suffer. In fact, a store in California reported a 25% decline in sales after a bag ban was implemented, and another store owner reported 300 plastic baskets stolen after a bag ban passed.