The Big Plastic Bag Debate

1. The Big Plastic Bag Debate PAPER – PLASTIC - REUSABLE

2. 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

3. 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

4. Paper vs. plasticwhat’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

5. 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

6. What is the solution?

7. recycle • Plastic bags • Produce bags • Bread bags • Newspaper bags • Dry cleaner bags Are all 100% Recyclable!

8. reduce • Train clerks to bag properly – more items per bag +1 +1 +1 +1

9. reuse • Plastic bags can be used for: • Trash liners • School lunches • Pet waste disposal • Wet diapers

10. 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

11. The details • Plastic bag licensing fee • Credits for recycling • Reductions and training

12. 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 www.abagslife.com