ConservingNow Community Change

A quick search on plastic bags this morning reveals a major debate happening amongst the citizens of Maine.  Maine is considered following in the footsteps of a similar bill in the state of Washington, and taxing plastic bags.  A local television station asked its readers to comment on whether or not they would like to see a $.10 charge for the plastic bags they would use when shopping.  The comments represent so many different view points, and they are certainly worth a read-through to get a handle on this issue.  It seems that everyone has the best of intentions about the environment, and yet, the current economy seems to be weighing on everyone's mind.  Many of the comments express hardship over paying an additional fee at local retailers.  

This is an important point.  One that is often missed when we are so interested in helping the environment.  In fact, isn't it always this way?  Consider organic foods, "green" cleaning products, "green" kids products - these days, being "green" is certainly helping retailers see the other "green" - money.  Its heartbreaking to think that well intentioned families have to sacrifice their principles in saving the environment for living within their budgeted means.  

This is the classic fight, isn't it?  The environment, healthy lives, big box retailers, the "polluting" industries and us.  We're the ones fighting to bridge the gap between the expensive green products and the ordinary everyday ones.  Wouldn't it be nice if we could all afford to be green?  All day, every day and in every way.

Here's the link to the story, and like I said, its worth reading the comments.  Agree or disagree, these are incredibly valid points, and ones that we need to definitely consider if we are ever going to eliminate all plastic bags.  http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=114761&catid=2

What do you think?