Tacoma: Plastic isn't Tacoma's bag

Tacoma recently set a world record of most reusable bags made from T-shirts in 37 hours. Not the pithiest of titles, but the sentiment is clear, Tacoma residents are fed up with with the litter of plastic bags and the wasteful behaviors that they represent.

Hundreds of reusable bags went out into the community at sites all over Tacoma last weekend, and pledges rolled in from supporters of a reusable bag ordinance.

There have been many loud voices of concern regarding the building of a methanol plant in our city. I share that concern strongly, and it’s also clear that it’s a symptom of a larger problem.

The reason for building a massive, wasteful methanol plant is to produce material to create plastics. The reason why that’s economically feasible is the needless use of plastic.

I don’t want to live in a city with a methanol plant in it, but I also don’t want to be part of a system that creates the demand for that plant. Passing a reusable bag ordinance is a strong message from Tacomans that in addition to not wanting that plant, we are also taking steps to not needing it.

This story was originally published February 1, 2016 at 2:38 PM with the headline "Tacoma: Plastic isn't Tacoma's bag."