To the editor:

I have sent the following email to the Madison County Board of Supervisors:

In regard to the proposed ban on plastic carryout bags in Madison County, there are two major factors that I think need to be considered — cost and convenience.

Paper bags basically cost roughly 7 to 10 times as much as comparable plastic bags. In addition, there are other logistic and operational “costs” to retailers that would be associated with a mandated shift to paper from plastic bags (staffing, storage, freight, etc). Retailers would obviously pass these increased costs right on to consumers in increased prices (another government imposed action, that in the end, hurts the consumer trying to make ends meet). As far as “big picture” environmental concerns, some quick research makes it clear that it takes significantly more energy to produce, distribute, manage and deal with paper bags than plastic bags.

“Convenience” understates the usefulness of plastic as opposed to paper bags. Paper bags are much more of a “single use” item, where the durability of plastic bags make them much more likely to be reused by consumers in a variety of ways.  Anyone who “way back when” experienced a broken bottle of milk at their feet because their paper bag got soggy and ripped should recognize the advantage of the strength and durability of plastic. I think it is also particularly important to consider that paper bags are much more difficult to handle for those of us with arthritis or other physical limitations.

Reusable cloth bags may be somewhat of a solution to the overall environmental concern, and give those who use them a good feeling, but it is unrealistic to think that many consumers will have the means, ability and forethought to pull out cloth bags every time they shop.  I have also noticed that use of these consumer-supplied bags can significantly delay the check-out process as the cashier/customer fumble with them (the same is true of paper bags), resulting in frustration for everyone involved.

If the Board of Supervisors is that concerned about the litter issue (which I personally think has been overstated considering the downsides of the plastic ban), then I would suggest that they focus on enforcement and clean-up, thereby potentially increasing jobs.

I would highly encourage all retailers and other consumers in Madison County to step up and let the Board of Supervisors know that this law is a bad idea.

Gabe Kinney

Erieville