Bag Tax In Madison? Good Idea, Some Say
Some Stores Already Offer Credit To Shoppers Who Reuse Bags
Posted: 1:45 pm CST January 28, 2005Updated: 2:28 pm CST January 28, 2005
MADISON, Wis. -- California lawmakers want to put a 17-cent tax on each grocery bag you use in hopes of sparking more recycling.No other city in the United States charges for bags yet, but would the idea work in Madison? Some shoppers told News 3 they like the idea, but others said 17 cents was a little steep.
Shoppers at the Willy Street Co-Op have been reusing bags for years."I think a lot of our customers patronize the co-op because they know the importance of sustainability, and they want to take care of the environment and recycling is a big part of that," said Brendon Smith, the co-op's communication manager.Copps, Whole Foods and Sentry Hilldale give shoppers credit for each bag you reuse.Madison alderpeople say there is little chance Madison would actually enact a citywide bag tax. Others say if Madison were to tax bags, it shouldn't be on all bags."(We) would propose a tax only on plastic bags," said George Dreckmann, Recycling Coordinator City of Madison. "Paper bags degrade out in the environment and we recycle them with other cardboard. Plastics are much more difficult."With more than 97 percent of families in Madison recycling, patrons here say they would never get bagged into paying the tax. Some say they would refuse to use the store's bag."I wouldn't pay it," said John Conowall. "I'd use my own bag. I spent too many years with big bags of plastic grocery bags sitting in my house."
TALKBACK: What Do You Think?
Shoppers at the Willy Street Co-Op have been reusing bags for years."I think a lot of our customers patronize the co-op because they know the importance of sustainability, and they want to take care of the environment and recycling is a big part of that," said Brendon Smith, the co-op's communication manager.Copps, Whole Foods and Sentry Hilldale give shoppers credit for each bag you reuse.Madison alderpeople say there is little chance Madison would actually enact a citywide bag tax. Others say if Madison were to tax bags, it shouldn't be on all bags."(We) would propose a tax only on plastic bags," said George Dreckmann, Recycling Coordinator City of Madison. "Paper bags degrade out in the environment and we recycle them with other cardboard. Plastics are much more difficult."With more than 97 percent of families in Madison recycling, patrons here say they would never get bagged into paying the tax. Some say they would refuse to use the store's bag."I wouldn't pay it," said John Conowall. "I'd use my own bag. I spent too many years with big bags of plastic grocery bags sitting in my house."TALKBACK: What Do You Think? Copyright 2005 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
