Companies rewarded for going bagless

• City looks at proactive approach over penalties

By Naomi Klouda
Homer Tribune
Rather than taxing or banning petroleum-based bags, the City of Homer decided to be more positively proactive by conducting a quiet movement of lauding businesses going plastic-bagless these days.
The city gives out attractive signs intended for posting at local establishments that indicate the business is demonstrating support for “environmental sustainability.”
City Special Projects Coordinator Anne Marie Holen and Loopy Lupine’s Recyclable Products owner Dale Banks are compiling a list identifying those businesses already on the bandwagon. These businesses provide bio-degradable or paper bags, instead of the petroleum-based ones that clog up and pollute landfills.
Councilman David Lewis’ original idea was to levy a pennies-per-bag tax to discourage the use of plastic bags. The question of forcing the change proved a hot topic last February and March, and got tabled in the end. Instead, Resolution 09-37, passed in April, aimed at “encouraging the elimination of plastic bags in the local environment.”
“We will see if it gets the word out so that people voluntarily carry their own bags or support the businesses that use biodegradable ones,” said Lewis, who sponsored the resolution with councilmember Francie Roberts. “For now, the taxing idea is set aside.”
Lewis said the original ordinance is currently “in limbo” for the time being, adding that the council already has a lot on its plate with budget issues ahead.”
Dale Banks distributes the biodegradable plastic bags and has for several years now. Called “T-shirt” bags, they sell by a caseload of 500 and cost about 6.5 cents per bag. That’s more than the cost of petroleum-based bags.
“There’s been more interest over the last couple of years, though I have been selling these for years,” Banks said. “Over the last two years, it’s been a less-expensive option, so more have switched over.”
The list of companies to be recognized this week has been steadily growing, with Banks submitting names to Holen. Among those to be honored is Smokey Bay Natural Foods, Grog Shop, Spit Sisters, Nomar, Coal Point Trading, Latitude 59, Capt. Patties, Homer Hounds, the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies and Ring of Fire Meadery, which uses recycled paper to wrap its bottles.
Other businesses of note are the Homer Bookstore, which uses recycled bags, and the Fringe, which wraps clothing using recycled boxes.
Several nonprofits have bags for sale. KBBI has a large, blue bag for $2, while CACS also sells a reusable bag.
Holen said she hopes to hear from representatives of nonprofit organizations that sell reusable bags. These business and nonprofit names will appear on the city Web site at www.ci.homer.ak.us once she is able to confirm that they meet the criteria.
Businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to call Holen at 435-3101 for any questions or to keep the list of businesses current.