Readers React: To solve, or not to solve, the plastic bag ‘problem’

To the editor: George Skelton falls back on the old conservative argument in opposing the extension of the plastic bag ban proposal before the Legislature: If a solution isn’t perfect, it’s no good. ( “Paper bag fee isn’t justified,” Column, Aug. 25)

The fee on paper bags will discourage their use, and, as Skelton points out, they are reusable. Perhaps grocery chains should offer to donate any profits to an environmental group; then it wouldn’t be a tax.

Tim Swanson, Torrance

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To the editor: Congratulations to Skelton on his outstanding column.

He sets forth the truth behind the ban on plastic grocery bags: Follow the money.

The monied interests behind the “reusable” bags and the grocery stores are all stronger than the manufacturers of the plastic grocery bags and have the money to do all the campaigning against the plastic bags.

Maxine Van Voorst-Potter, Pasadena

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To the editor: Skelton said in his closing remarks: “Leave my plastic monofilament fishing line alone. It lasts forever.’’

My comment: So do the store-purchased reusable bags. I collect them from different stores with interesting designs from all over the world, where people have been doing this for centuries.

If the rest of the world can do it, why can’t we?

Renate Idelshon, Lake Forest, Calif.

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To the editor: I still cannot agree with the “single-use” description for plastic bags.

While environmentally conscious for many years, plastic bags have been my savior for picking up dog poop from my pooches and others.

Please think of us, the dedicated dog-poop picker-uppers. I don’t want to purchase heavy-duty bags to accomplish the same purpose as the dandy store-acquired free bags.

If it works, please do not legislate it away.

Gail A. Paparian, Banning

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To the editor: What Skelton fails to admit amid his grumbling is the unsustainability of single-use anything.

Something designed to be used once and then thrown away will end up costing us all in the long run.

There is no flexibility in this model; no matter what material is used, it uses a lot of resources for little good.

Skelton can complain about the environmental (and supposed hygienic) shortcomings of reusable bags, but they are a vast improvement over single-use bags. Reusable bags can be improved on or made with more sustainable materials.

And if 10 cents for a paper bag motivates people to switch to the reusable model, it’s a dime well spent.

Michael Ryther, Pasadena
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