Yesterday (Wednesday) the DC Council voted unanimously to assess a 5 cent tax on paper and plastic bags to discourage their use. One cent from each bag taxed would go directly to the Anacostia River Clean-Up effort, two could go back to the store if it offers a reusable bag option.
San Francisco is the only city to have successfully passed this type of legislation. Supporters contend that paper and plastic bags are inundating and polluting the earth and the tax is necessary for the environment. Protesters argue that even paper and plastic bags are being reused, and that the tax is unfair to working families; they want a voluntary reduction program that uses incentives rather than fees to reduce disposable bag use.
The proposal must be voted on again later this month before it becomes law, so love it or hate it, let your Councilmembers know how you feel!
