THE BIG PLASTIC BAG DEBATE PAPER – PLASTIC - REUSABLE

WHY THE BIG DEBATE? Some cities believe Plastic bags are a litter issue Plastic bags are a landfill issue Plastic bags are an environmental issue Plastic bags are a political issue Plastic bags are a revenue issue

WHY THE BIG DEBATE? Most retailers believe Plastic bags are cost effective Plastic bags should be recycled Plastic bags are re-usable Plastic bags create jobs Plastic bags can be environmentally safe Plastic bags reduce fuel costs

PAPER VS. PLASTIC WHAT’S THE REAL COST? Paper bags more expensive - $4,000-$100,000 annually Paper bags 7:1 volume Plastic bag tax costs customers Plastics use 40% less energy Paper bags generate 70% more emissions and 50 times more water use Plastic bags take up less space in the landfill

WHAT’S THE STORY ON REUSABLE BAGS? Made in China Not recyclable Contains lead Can grow bacteria, including E. coli Takes up more space in landfills

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

RECYCLE Plastic bags Produce bags Bread bags Newspaper bags Dry cleaner bags Are all 100% Recyclable!

REDUCE Train clerks to bag properly – more items per bag

REUSE Plastic bags can be used for: Trash liners School lunches Pet waste disposal Wet diapers

THE TRA AUSTIN PLAN A solution to reduce plastic bags Encourage the use of reusable bags Promote plastic recycling Track progress Promote sale of products made from recycled plastic

THE DETAILS Plastic bag licensing fee Credits for recycling Reductions and training

WHAT CAN WE ALL DO? Use reusable bags Do not request a bag for small purchases Reuse your plastic (t-shirt) bags Recycle all plastic After use, tie in a knot Visit