Plastic Shopping Bag Survey

Plastic Shopping Bag Survey 1. Check the box that best describes where you live. Response Percent Response Count Bucoda 0.8% 29 Lacey 24.8% 939 Olympia 30.4% 1,152 Rainier 1.7% 65 Rochester 2.9% 108 Tenino 2.1% 80 Tumwater 7.0% 265 Yelm 7.1% 269 Unincorporated Thurston County 17.4% 658 I do not live in Thurston County 5.9% 222 answered question 3,787 skipped question 0 1 of 142

2. Please rate the following statements: Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree N/A Rating Average Response Count I always recycle my plastic grocery bags. 43.4% (1,496) 30.9% (1,066) 11.3% (390) 7.9% (273) 4.5% (154) 2.1% (71) 1.97 3,450 I am concerned about the amount of litter and trash plastic bags create. 57.0% (1,955) 27.5% (943) 8.9% (306) 3.0% (104) 3.4% (116) 0.2% (6) 1.68 3,430 I always use reusable bags when I shop. 20.4% (699) 33.7% (1,157) 24.0% (825) 13.8% (472) 6.7% (230) 1.4% (49) 2.52 3,432 Making plastic bags uses too many resources. 42.2% (1,423) 24.3% (819) 20.1% (678) 5.4% (183) 6.4% (215) 1.7% (56) 2.08 3,374 I always reuse my plastic bags for other purposes, like picking up pet waste or lining my trash can. 63.7% (2,199) 27.3% (942) 4.9% (168) 1.7% (58) 1.0% (34) 1.5% (52) 1.47 3,453 I am concerned about marine animals and birds being injured or killed by plastic bags. 62.3% (2,135) 23.3% (799) 8.1% (279) 2.7% (92) 3.1% (106) 0.4% (14) 1.60 3,425 answered question 3,494 skipped question 293 3. Are plastic bags recyclable in your curbside recycle cart? Response Percent Response Count Yes 12.4% 429 No 61.5% 2,130 I don't know 26.1% 906 answered question 3,465 skipped question 322 2 of 142

4. The average American uses 350-500 plastic shopping bags each year. How many of these actually get recycled? Response Percent Response Count 5% 63.7% 2,163 35% 28.1% 955 65% 5.8% 198 95% 2.3% 78 answered question 3,394 skipped question 393 5. Would you support an ordinance in Thurston County that bans plastic "check-out" bags in retail stores and allows stores to charge a fee for paper bags? Response Percent Response Count Yes 49.2% 1,727 No 25.9% 907 Maybe - I need more information 24.9% 873 answered question 3,507 skipped question 280 3 of 142

6. We would like to know your thoughts about plastic bag use in Thurston County! (ex: What do you like about plastic bags? How can we increase bag recycling? What are some arguments for or Response Count 1,569 answered question 1,569 skipped question 2,218 4 of 142

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1 Being able to recycle at curbside. Oct 15, 2012 6:35 AM 2 I hate plastic bags but don't want to create new challenges for low-income folks related to fees. Oct 12, 2012 2:18 PM 3 Plastic bags and bottles should be banned. Oct 12, 2012 1:48 PM 4 I like using plastic bags to line my trash cans and to carry items to and from home. Oct 12, 2012 1:46 PM 5 I avoid them and use paper or reusable when possible. Oct 12, 2012 11:23 AM 6 You can reuse them over an over. Oct 12, 2012 11:11 AM 7 Provide incentives to use or switch to reusable. Provide reusable bags for free. Fine businesses that continue to use or provide. Oct 12, 2012 10:19 AM 8 Don't allow. Make people buy them like in Europe. Oct 8, 2012 12:34 PM 9 -am not in favor of cutting old growth for paper bags. -if paper gags come from recycled produts-for sure. 10 I can reuse them for other things. However, retailers are too wasteful by not filling them all the way *shoppers* litter bags when it is not always necessary. Oct 8, 2012 10:05 AM Oct 8, 2012 10:03 AM 11 Light weight. Easy to Handle-I don't forget to take them in. Oct 8, 2012 9:42 AM 12 Have more places to recycle bags. People don't wash their reusuable bags, and I don't like the unsanitary problems. Oct 8, 2012 8:48 AM 13 We all shold return them to the place where they shopped! Oct 8, 2012 8:36 AM 14 Plastic bags can almost always be used for other than their original purpose. Oct 8, 2012 8:32 AM 15 Make plastic bags that cost 50cents and last to be re-used. Oct 5, 2012 3:24 PM 16 Plastic bags are hazardous to the environment and should no longer be available for use. I use paper bags. Oct 5, 2012 2:34 PM 17 It's good that some grocery bags now give discounts for bringing your own bags. Oct 5, 2012 2:18 PM 18 I like to use plastic bags for garbage-yard waste. Oct 5, 2012 2:17 PM 19 Ban packaging Oct 5, 2012 2:02 PM 20 Light-have plastic bqags recycled in garbage pick-up Oct 5, 2012 2:00 PM 21 Humanity has surpassed the planetary carrying capacity, and it makes sense according to the precautionary principle, to take immediate and urgent actionto lessen our impact. Oct 5, 2012 1:49 PM 22 fold & hand in to food bank.or reuse at times. Oct 5, 2012 1:29 PM 6 of 142

23 No more plastic bags.! Oct 5, 2012 1:27 PM 24 Reusable, but these bags are reusable to the max! Oct 5, 2012 12:58 PM 25 My DD clients reuse them and they're free for them. Oct 5, 2012 12:52 PM 26 To be able touse them when I need them for stuff around my house. I agree that we should get rid of plastic bags. We are filling up our land fills to quickly. 27 I'd support a tax on plastic bags-enought to cause stores to offer a 5 cent rebate to customers for reusing bags. then when the bags are worn and torn, the DEQ could have a $100,000 sweepstates, with 20 broken bags turned intor recycling to enter. 28 I do re-use mine several times over for various causes. Very helpful when carrying objects containing moisture. Oct 5, 2012 12:35 PM Oct 5, 2012 12:22 PM Oct 5, 2012 10:45 AM 29 But they make great poop bags for dogs. Oct 5, 2012 10:43 AM 30 Plastic bags can be useful when you need a cheap waterproof container. Oct 5, 2012 10:41 AM 31 Increase with curbside pick-up Oct 5, 2012 10:39 AM 32 People need to be more aware of bringing your own bag. Oct 5, 2012 10:11 AM 33 Not a whole lot. Make recycling easier for people. Cost. Landfill. Oct 5, 2012 10:09 AM 34 I can carry a lot more at one time in plastic. Oct 5, 2012 8:45 AM 35 Offer it curbside. Oct 5, 2012 8:32 AM 36 ffff Oct 5, 2012 5:11 AM 37 Ban them! Oct 4, 2012 8:47 AM 38 It can be frustrating to be charged a monthly fee to recycle. Oct 4, 2012 8:07 AM 39 Curbside recycle for plastic would be nice! Oct 4, 2012 8:06 AM 40 I would like to see more plastic bags recycling, and more recycling of all that we use, paper, food, etc. Oct 4, 2012 8:00 AM 41 We reuse plastic bags alot in our house, but we also recycle them. Oct 3, 2012 9:02 AM 42 I support a ban. Oct 2, 2012 2:27 PM 43 Store signs in parking lots. Oct 2, 2012 1:58 PM 44 Sometimes plastic is useful for chicken at the grocery store. Need reusable options for that. Oct 2, 2012 8:53 AM 45 I like plastic bags but there should be an easier way to recycle. I take them to Oct 2, 2012 7:40 AM 7 of 142

Fred Meyer but it would be easier to put them in my recycle bin. I use my cloth bags when I shop and for a lot more like my trips to Costco. People need more education also on what happens when plastic bags hit the environment. 46 How about an incentive to not use plastic bags and use reusable containers? Oct 2, 2012 7:34 AM 47 How about an incentive to not use plastic bags and use reusable containers? Oct 1, 2012 7:56 AM 48 I use my plastic bags for pet litter. Otherwise I recycle them. Oct 1, 2012 5:22 AM 49 I use plastic bags for pet waste. I'll have to buy them if I don't get them via shopping. I use reusable bags for a portion of my shopping. Having recycling of plastic bags at curbside would help with recycling. The stores don't always recycle the ones that you take there. They sometimes throw them in the trash. If they were biodegradable it would help with ones that get loose in the environment (it won't matter in a landfill). I wish people weren't so irresponsible with disposal. 50 Too much governmental regulatoins with zero accountability. Suggest a solution rather than a regulation. What about paper bags again that are automatically recycled regardless of the direction they go - paper goes back to the land they came from as trees. Less export of our lumber to other nations and cultures and more of that wood going to make paper bags. Back up the clock folks and the plastic bags go away in favor of paper. Thank you. 51 Reusable shopping bags breed bacteria leading to food poisoning. I find the plastic bags new are safer for food carrying. Plastic bags have been made recently more fragile. Tear easier, bottoms not fully sealed, thinner. All in the effort to apease the anti plastic bag people. I do feel for wildlife and the garbage waste on our beaches. I find it very sad people are so lazy they can't be bothered to dispose of bags. I use bags for pet waste, containing garbage to take to can, To keep food from being contaminated from other foods. I am disabled and the plastic bags are easier for me to carry vs. paper bags. I want the choice to use what I view is best for me. Not to be mandated what I have to use and charged on top of that. Fixed income means just that. We can't afford food, power, phone, shelter, transportation, medical care and now another charge is to be added. NO NO NO NO. Leave my plastic bags ALONE. 52 The imposition of bag fees would create a significant problem for those of us who use the Food Stamps program to feed ourselves, as well as other problems. 53 They are re-usable in many ways and I don't need to pay for other inconvenient methods to carry things. 54 I use the bags to line small garbage cans and for other purposes. If they wind up in the garbage, it's because they are full of other garbage. Stop telling me how to live my life. 55 The whole "green" thing is way to extreme. The problem is not the bags, it is irresponsible people, government always punishing all over the few. Sep 30, 2012 5:54 PM Sep 29, 2012 6:43 PM Sep 29, 2012 4:24 PM Sep 29, 2012 2:49 PM Sep 29, 2012 1:08 PM Sep 29, 2012 11:40 AM Sep 29, 2012 10:48 AM 8 of 142

56 I believe there should be a charge for both plastic and paper bags; thereby enforcing the use of reusable bags. The right sollution in protecting our environment is eliminating the convienence of pollutants. The reuse of plastic bags, for pet wast as an example, still harms our environment. Pet owners should use biodegradable bags which are much more size appropriate for the task. 57 I believe it should be up to an individual whether or not to use whatever type bag they choose. If you are going to require people to bring their own bags, for a period of time give free bags to customers. Some people can't afford to buy them. Some elderly and low income people can't afford even the nickel to buy them. If an elderly person has $50 to spend on groceries and forgets their bag and their bill is $47.99, they don't have the nickel to pay for a bag. 58 I strongly support a plastic bag ban. I really wanted to attend some of the public meetings, but I was unable to do so. I think Thurston county should be amongst the other cities/counties in the country leading the way in sustainability. Such bans have been implemented successfully elsewhere with little difficulty and vast improvements in waste reduction. Plastic does some wonderful things for us, but we don't need plastic shopping bags! 59 Plastic bags can be reused in many ways and I do so, using mine for pet waste as well as for wastebasket liners and for putting messy garbage in before it goes in the trash can. We can encourage recycling by having the recycling companies take them away--possibly in a separate container as the glass is now done. Once amonth would be sufficient. Having merchants charge 5 cents for a paper bag is a big ripoff of the consumer. Did anyone notice how quickly the big corporations, e.g. Safeway, quickly stopped giving a credit when consumers brought in their own bags? Another way to gouge the public and increase corporate profits. I never let my plastic bags become litter. I have used cloth bags, but am concerned about cleanliness, especially where fresh meat is concerned. A very small percentage of the population would faithfully wash those bags weekly. If plastic bags are banned, how about requiring merchants to provide paper bags? I shop mostly at Trader Joe's where they always provide strong, reusable paper bags. Education is the solution to the plastic bag problem. 60 I would look to what has been done in other communities regarding plastic shopping bags. What has worked and what hasn't? What are the forces that will oppose such a ban and do we have the political will to withstand those forces? 61 I reuse plastic bags for other purposes but i feel that we all need to recycle plastic bags. Every shopping or grocery outlets should have a recycling bin. 62 It makes no sense to continue to use plastic bags when most of them end up in landfills. I think that Thurston County should take a stand and end this cycle of ignorance. We need to honor our environment and become "greener". Yes, plastic bags are great to pick up dog waste, line trash containers...but, not for grocery or retail shopping. Nothing is worse than buying one item and receiving it in a plastic bag that sometimes gets tossed before even leaving the store...that is plain and simply, wrong. Curbside bag recycle would help but not Sep 28, 2012 10:40 AM Sep 28, 2012 9:45 AM Sep 27, 2012 6:25 PM Sep 27, 2012 12:42 PM Sep 25, 2012 11:32 AM Sep 24, 2012 12:51 PM Sep 24, 2012 9:05 AM 9 of 142

alleviate the problem. Yes, plastic bags are convenient but at what cost...our future, the future of our wildlife, the environment...our children!!! 63 Accepting bags in our recycling bins would be the #1 way to increase bag recycling...no question. I think most folks don't recycle their bags because they have to gather them up somewhere, which takes space, then they have to transport them to a recycling collection area, usually a grocery store. Most often, we forget to take them with us, on our trips to the store, or they sit in the trunk for weeks before we remember them. I'm sure they often get thrown out at some point in this delivery system, before the recycling actually occurs. Even if you asked folks to gather them up for awhile and place them in the recycling as a bundle, many of us would be thrilled to do this, just to be able to put them in our bins. I think plastic bags certainly have their value. Many folks use them to line garbage, or carry things, etc. But, if we make these free, there is widespread abuse. They must be purchased for use, then people treat them with more respect, more conservation of their use. I would suggest if they ARE sold, that it wouldn't be as single bag use at grocery lines. A nickle or dime still isn't enough to avoid the abuse. BAN the BAGS!!! They are a public menace, and Thurston County is progressive enough to act smart on this one, especially since we are a waterfront community, the place many bags end up. Change most often is accompanied by a nudge to make people alter their habits. This is OK, when we are faced with the environmental degradation we perpetrate on this earth each and every day. Anything we can do to mitigate that is something we should try. 64 The only place i know of that still accepts plastic bags for recycling is Fred Meyer. More places to drop off bags of a way to put a bundle of them on with our comingled recycling would at least make it easier for those of us who already try hard to recycle plastic bags. With some education it might even entice others to make an effort to recycle them. I reuse plastic shopping bags for garbage pale liners. I wish there was a good, durable biodegradable alternative to plastic garbage bags too. 65 I grew up not using paper or plastic bags at stores in Europe. 40 years ago! What is taking us so long? 66 Making bags recycleable in curbside bins would be a huge step to helping reduce the number in landfills. 67 I do like re-using plastic bags to store veggies in my fridge and to use as packing materials. At the same time, I would rather they be banned to reduce trash entering the waste stream and because they are wasteful. 68 get rid of them. go all the way get rid of all bags. make people actually bring the million reusable ones they have at home or even sitting in their cars! maybe start with reminders at the front of all major grocery stores! Sep 24, 2012 8:27 AM Sep 22, 2012 9:31 AM Sep 22, 2012 7:11 AM Sep 21, 2012 3:01 PM Sep 21, 2012 10:18 AM Sep 20, 2012 6:46 PM 69 I resue bags several times. If not availabe I'm not sure what I'd use. Sep 20, 2012 3:11 PM 70 I like to use them for other things & it's a money saving issue for me, I don't buy small bags for bathroom or dog waste. Sep 20, 2012 3:10 PM 10 of 142

71 Side note: We want used (clean, no holes) plastic bags at Thurston Co. Food Bank. We use all sizes to repackage food for distribution to schools & sites. Sep 20, 2012 3:07 PM 72 Just use paper. Sep 20, 2012 2:37 PM 73 I like reusing them around the house. Sep 20, 2012 2:34 PM 74 What I like is using thme for doog poop clean up/juice pulp. Sep 20, 2012 2:18 PM 75 Ban plastic bags or some kind of incintive for recycling. Sep 20, 2012 2:09 PM 76 There needs to be more ways to recycle plastic bags. Sep 20, 2012 2:06 PM 77 Curbside bag recycling!! Sep 20, 2012 2:05 PM 78 More recycle locations Include in curbside recycling Sep 20, 2012 12:47 PM 79 Provide more avenues for reuse or recycling. If plastic bags are banned those who douse/need them will then need to purchase them. 80 No spell check needed-examine to Portland ordinance that appears to be quite successful-plagerism is the greatest for of flattery. Sep 20, 2012 12:36 PM Sep 20, 2012 12:35 PM 81 Remebering the re-usuable bag. Sep 20, 2012 12:33 PM 82 Don't have rcycling. Sep 20, 2012 10:46 AM 83 Use reusuable except when I forget them. Sep 20, 2012 10:46 AM 84 The hawks prairie facility makes recycling just about anything very easy. They get all my plastic bags that are not repurposed. More grocery stores & other merchants who use plastic bags should all have a recycle bag container at their front doors. Sep 20, 2012 10:14 AM 85 Provide more information to the public. Sep 20, 2012 9:57 AM 86 It would be nice if my neighborhood recycling receptacle would take them so I don't have to take them to the grocery store. 87 I like plastic bags because I reuse them to pick up pet waste. I also make useful items out of them like reusable shopping bags by crocheting them together. Sep 20, 2012 9:53 AM Sep 20, 2012 9:35 AM 88 Come up with a better alternative (financial) Sep 20, 2012 8:28 AM 89 I reuse plastic bags every day of my life - for pet waste, garbage, transporting plants from my garden to friends, packing filler in boxes, and on and on. I would be lost without them. And what about all the grocery items that sweat or leak? Paper bags are a joke in a case like that - they break through! I can put a soiled plastic bag in the trash - think of the water, detergent and electricity I would use if I had to wash a "reusable" bag. If a paper bag is soiled, I can't even recycle it and must also put it in the trash. What about all the products that are made from recycled plastic bags - what would happen to fleece, other plastic items, etc. Sep 20, 2012 7:11 AM 11 of 142

Make people aware of the other uses for the plastic bags - and make the recycle bins for these bags more available to the public. Or make a more "recycleable" plastic bag? How much do plastic bags contribute to total waste and litter? I'd even pay a nickle for a PLASTIC BAG! 90 Increase by charing for plastic Encourage paper Sep 19, 2012 2:44 PM 91 I like that we reuse them for trash bags, lunch bags, packing extra clothes-they have more than one use. Sep 19, 2012 2:32 PM 92 They are convient. Sep 19, 2012 2:16 PM 93 Add to curbside recycle. Sep 19, 2012 1:43 PM 94 Lets just stop using them, it may take time to adjust but we will get used to it...americans fear change! Sep 19, 2012 12:23 PM 95 More often I reuse the plastic bags until they are totally gone or gross. Sep 19, 2012 12:06 PM 96 They carry light stuff. Sep 19, 2012 12:05 PM 97 More energy is used to make paper bags then plastic bags. Sep 19, 2012 12:03 PM 98 Light and easy to carry groceries in. Curbside recycling would help. The cost for poor people on fixed income. Sep 19, 2012 11:04 AM 99 Just continue to put info out there. People will change eventually. Sep 19, 2012 10:59 AM 100 Ban them. Sep 19, 2012 10:44 AM 101 They are hazardous to wildlife. Sep 19, 2012 10:34 AM 102 If we ban free plastic bags people will have to purchase plastic bags to dispose of garbage and pet waste. Who does that hurt? Low income familites!!! What about how many get re-used! 103 Charging a fee for paper would create issues for many lower income residents. However, recognising the intersechionality of these issues and acknowledging the work of bag give-aways such as these canhelp to create more of an equal community. 104 I reuse plastic grocery bags as trash bags rather then purchase commercial bags, as well as for general uses as parent/pet owner/etc (carrying stuff!). Then recycle when no longer usable. Sep 19, 2012 9:59 AM Sep 19, 2012 9:53 AM Sep 19, 2012 9:49 AM 105 Bags use oil, oil costs money and is harmful to our environment. No need! Sep 19, 2012 9:43 AM 106 Just ban them. We'll get used to it again and figure out another way to get by. We got along for decades before they arrived and we'll get by fine once they're banned. Sep 19, 2012 9:11 AM 107 I don't use plastic shopping bags and rarely shop at stores that supply them. I Sep 19, 2012 6:31 AM 12 of 142

would support a ban on the plastic but not a surcharge on paper to make food even more expensive. Leave it up to the stores. If they want to charge their customers for paper then they can if they don't then they don't have to. Mandating the charge just hurts people who can't afford food as it is. Increase recycling. I would love to be able to recycle all the various types of plastic film. I was told that I can't because the plastic gums up the sorting machines that the recyclers use. Plastic film is the largest part of my waste stream. 108 Plastic shopping bags are no worse than aluminum cans or cardboard packaging. it makes bsolutely NO sense to target these as an evil to be banned from use. We recycle our bags or manage them responsibly for other uses such as trash can liners. Cigarette butts and general litter are much worse than bags. This legislation to ban the bags is ridiculous and a waste of our lawmakers' time. 109 In our area, Costco gets by without providing bags. When the wind blows hard, plastic bags appear in too many unlikely places. 110 Plastic bags are easy and sometimes I forget to bring my own. However, I still think that we all need to be aware about all kinds of recycling and the county needs to educate better and provide convenient recycle place. 111 Hard to ban them, especially for EVERY type of shopping. Grocery stores are likely the highest volume of usage - focus efforts there. Really need to make recycling easier and increase/improve messaging about the benefits of nonplastic bag use Sep 18, 2012 7:30 PM Sep 18, 2012 6:07 PM Sep 18, 2012 3:37 PM Sep 18, 2012 2:53 PM 112 Encourage people to revise them for different uses. Sep 18, 2012 2:51 PM 113 I still like paper for certain things. Recycle but mostly use bags. Sep 18, 2012 2:50 PM 114 There is absolutely no need for them. There are viable alternatives that everyone would use if plastic bags were no longer available. Sep 18, 2012 2:02 PM 115 Making it affordable to transition for businesses. Sep 18, 2012 1:48 PM 116 Ban use and charge for use Sep 18, 2012 1:11 PM 117 No comment Sep 18, 2012 1:11 PM 118 Improve the quality of retailers' reusable tote bags. Fred Meyers are the worst; they tear and part seams easily. Trader Joes makes the very best. Strong and durable. I agree with the author that it requires a conscious habit change to remember to take the reusable totes each trip. I'm getting better... 119 Plastic bags are often very useful for certain items. They are used with our shopping bags and then reused. Sep 18, 2012 1:08 PM Sep 18, 2012 1:08 PM 120 Question 4 is leading and UNPROFESSIONAL Sep 18, 2012 11:32 AM 121 thanks for the reusable bag! Sep 18, 2012 11:06 AM 122 Have all curbside recycling take them Sep 18, 2012 11:06 AM 13 of 142

123 Banning plastic bags cannot happen soon enough. Sep 18, 2012 11:05 AM 124 Grocery stores should have recycle barrels for bags. Sep 18, 2012 11:03 AM 125 I need to be more dilligent about these bags! Sep 18, 2012 11:00 AM 126 More research needed. Keep containers on ships so bags not dropped by container full. Try corn based plastic, etc. Sep 18, 2012 10:59 AM 127 Store easily. I like resuing them for garbage. Sep 18, 2012 10:55 AM 128 More stores recycling. Sep 18, 2012 10:49 AM 129 I like that I can reuse them. Curbside collection would be beneficial. Sep 18, 2012 10:45 AM 130 Make public aware of how to recycle them... I don't kow how to do... Sep 18, 2012 10:43 AM 131 So many people can't afford reusable shopping bags, to discontinue use. Maybe help them get them started, or make recycling more readily availabe! Sep 18, 2012 10:34 AM 132 Thank You Sep 18, 2012 10:30 AM 133 I want to change my plastic bag habits to reduce the enviromental impact-forcing me to will help. 134 Make it possible to recycle in the curbside bins so it's more convienient for everyone. Sep 18, 2012 8:39 AM Sep 18, 2012 8:37 AM 135 Don't like them Sep 18, 2012 8:36 AM 136 Ilike getting plastic bags sometimes because I always reuse them at least once. I wouldn't mind paying a small fee for them at the grocery store. Sep 18, 2012 8:14 AM 137 Keep some Sep 18, 2012 8:13 AM 138 I prefer to have no plastic bags available to the public. I is easy to change habits when we have to. We can have really lightweight bags or baskets or containers in our vehicle or in the stores themselves, such as in the Food Co-ops and Costcos where there are boxes available for costomers who don't have their own containers. I carry my own bags and containers in the back of my vehicle. I rarely forget. I often can walk out with some things in my hands, such as a few clothing items from a store or a loaf of bread and carton of milk. When I was in theplastic bags available at the grocery stores. That was many years ago. Sep 18, 2012 7:52 AM 139 Offer more places to recycle plastic bags and maybe charge 5 cents per bag?? Sep 17, 2012 7:26 PM 140 I alway's try to ask for paper or bring my own. But sometimes I for get and get plastic. "Just Ban Them" Charge a $1.00 a bag! That will stop us all. Sep 17, 2012 6:14 PM 141 They need to be recycled. Sep 17, 2012 3:51 PM 142 Educating & dialogue directed to get people to think is probably good but Sep 17, 2012 3:42 PM 14 of 142

legislation is usually ultimately ineffective. 143 I don't like them at all. they rip too fast and nobody puts them in the recycling bins. 144 We always take our reusuable bags to the store but forget them in the car. Put signs in the parking log "Did you bring your reuse bags" 145 I'd rather have paper you can use it for wrapping, drawing, plastic rigps too easily. Besides paper is more reusuable, i can do without plastic. Sep 17, 2012 2:42 PM Sep 17, 2012 2:40 PM Sep 17, 2012 2:09 PM 146 All bags should be compostable!! Sep 17, 2012 2:06 PM 147 No Sep 17, 2012 1:49 PM 148 Plastic bags often wind up as litter and affect wildlife. Sep 17, 2012 1:48 PM 149 Folks need to hear why the plastic bags are harmfu. They need to see the connection to their choices and how it eventually harms all of us. Sep 17, 2012 1:47 PM 150 -----ppard Rocks! Sep 17, 2012 1:38 PM 151 Easy to store for reuse. Sep 17, 2012 1:32 PM 152 I never actually remember my re-usuable bags when I go shopping and I never want to buy more so plastic t-shirt bags come in handy. Sep 17, 2012 1:29 PM 153 Let individuals make the decision. Sep 17, 2012 1:28 PM 154 WE RE-USE OUR PLASTIC BAGS FOR PICKING UP PET WASTE. IF THEY ARE BANNED, WHAT WOULD WE USE AND WHY SHOULD WE PAY FOR PAPER BAGS? THE COMMISSARY WHERE WE HAVE SHOPPED FOR OVER 50 YEARS USE PAPER BAGS AND THEY DO NOT CHARGE EXTRA FOR THEM. 155 not a real issue to be dealt with, instead of hopping on the bandwagon lets use some common sense and leave people to their own decisions 156 I like plastic Bags because they have a one Time use,no Germs collect like in reuseble Bags.I use them for my Garbage if I dont have them then i will have to buy Garbagebags,so the plastic Bags will always be there anyway. 157 I do reuse my plastic bags as liners in my garbage cans. Like my mom I could line them with paper bags. If plastic bags were banned I would be forced to use my reuse bags which I have a trunk full of. I support banning plastic bags. 158 I must admit I am guilty of using plastic bags when I shop. I have a trunk full of cloth bags as well as bags from Trader Joes. I do use them but if plastic bags where banned I would be forced to use them always instead of sometimes. On the other had I always reuse my plastic bags as liners in my garbage cans. I remember growing up my mom always lined the garbage with paper. I can and should do that too! I am in support of banning plastic bags to help the Sep 17, 2012 1:28 PM Sep 17, 2012 1:13 PM Sep 17, 2012 12:17 PM Sep 16, 2012 9:03 PM Sep 16, 2012 8:59 PM 15 of 142

environment. 159 I would like to see a ban and we would just have to cope. I currently both recycle bags and use them for cat litter disposal and for storing some vegetables and sometimes for garbage before putting it into compostable bags, since they tend to digest before I'm ready to put them into the bin. You can increase bag recycling by having curbside pickup. But it is better to not use them in the first place. Have a 5Cent charge for getting a plastic bag in the store. Outlaw them from stores. 160 1. Bags are not the problem. PEOPLE ARE. 2. Bags are being reused everywhere: garbage, storing, carrying things, gifting, projects, sorting, etc. Sep 16, 2012 7:50 PM Sep 16, 2012 12:41 PM 161 I'd like to be able to recycle bags in our mixed recycling container. Sep 15, 2012 3:21 PM 162 I like to use plastic bags as liners for my small garbage cans in the bathroom. Sep 15, 2012 9:35 AM 163 I like plastic bags though they need to be thicker/stronger so they don't break so easy. Love that they can be recycled for other uses. Hate this website Thurston County! Looking for something and it redirects you else where. Sep 14, 2012 8:37 AM 164 ban plastic bags Sep 13, 2012 12:55 PM 165 Plastic bags are convienent because they are so readily available. Sep 13, 2012 12:54 PM 166 They use petroleum which needs to be discontinued. Sep 13, 2012 12:41 PM 167 Just do it! Sep 13, 2012 12:39 PM 168 Too much plastic in food industry, not just in check-out bags. Sep 13, 2012 12:37 PM 169 Recycle them. Sep 13, 2012 12:17 PM 170 Putmore containers in parts to reuse bags for poop. Sep 13, 2012 10:13 AM 171 I suppose one could recycle the bags as like some sort of lining for your recycling can. Sep 13, 2012 10:12 AM 172 I agree that plastic bags are bad for the environment. Sep 13, 2012 9:39 AM 173 I think we can and should be a leading couty for reducing the use of plastic bags to as little as possible. Sep 13, 2012 9:32 AM 174 I think we can increase plastic bag recycling by reminding people more often. Sep 13, 2012 9:31 AM 175 I think we can increase bag recycling if at the enterance of any store we saw a big sign about that. Did you recycle today? 176 I would support a plastic bag fee (5 cents) if a person wanted one from a store. Thank you! Sep 13, 2012 9:28 AM Sep 13, 2012 9:26 AM 177 I use paper bags, then "mulch" them with compost. Sep 13, 2012 8:17 AM 16 of 142

178 We need lots of them. Sep 13, 2012 8:09 AM 179 They can be used as trash liners. Sep 13, 2012 8:08 AM 180 I rather motivate than punish. Sep 12, 2012 3:56 PM 181 I use them daily in my public education classroom. Sep 12, 2012 3:51 PM 182 Lots of lazy people! Sep 12, 2012 3:50 PM 183 They are convenient and make possible to rscycle in the bin. Sep 12, 2012 3:42 PM 184 I prefer plastic for wet & organic garbage. I like the option to recycle at grocery stores. Paper gabbing should be encouraged but charging will not do that. 185 I think TC needs to get on board with Seattle and many other 1st world countries (GB) and charge for bags provided in stores. People will learn quickly. Sep 12, 2012 3:20 PM Sep 12, 2012 3:02 PM 186 More information about where/how to recycle pplastic bags. Sep 12, 2012 2:47 PM 187 Didn't know curside recycle included plastic bags. Sep 12, 2012 2:30 PM 188 Plastic bags don't rip as easy. Sep 12, 2012 2:14 PM 189 1, Plastic bags don't leak & fall apart like paper. 2. I don't know. 3. More people will use reusuable bags if plastic bags are banned. 190 Bags don't last too long-they get brittle and usually get thrown away in the trash or burned. 191 I like the convenience of carrying plastic bags & the ability to use them multiple times. Sep 12, 2012 2:12 PM Sep 12, 2012 1:58 PM Sep 12, 2012 1:40 PM 192 School recycling program to educate kids. Sep 12, 2012 12:48 PM 193 Some people cannot afford, maybe pre-pay for some so that all can have. Sep 12, 2012 12:47 PM 194 Familiar with Seattle's attempt. Reaaly unsure of how a ban would affect me. Sep 12, 2012 12:46 PM 195 Wish bag recycling could be in recycle container/curbside. Sep 12, 2012 10:40 AM 196 Reusable bags carry the strong possibilty of germs contanminating my food at the market. I don't use when I shop at the market. We reuse or recycle our plastic bags always. Sep 12, 2012 10:32 AM 197 Meat needs to be in plastic. Food handling risk. Sep 12, 2012 9:28 AM 198 I hate plastic bags. I came from a town with a plastic bag ban. It is very easy to not use plastic bags once you get used to it. 199 I feel that we don't support recycling as much as we could. I don't recycle nor do my friends, but I hate polluting. Fuck plastic bags. They are terrible. Sep 12, 2012 9:14 AM Sep 12, 2012 8:52 AM 17 of 142

200 I like them because I reuse them at my house for different things. I wouldn't be against banniing them in stores or charging for them. Peace Love & Rainbows. Sep 12, 2012 8:48 AM 201 keep encouraging people to use their own bags. Sep 12, 2012 8:43 AM 202 I dont think that bag recycling necessarily needs to increase, as it encourages the use of plastic bags. I fully support a ban on plastic bags, or a fee for use. I already do not use plastic if I remember to bring my reusable bags with me, or if I only have a few items. Having a small fee brings the issue of plastic bag use, and the environmental impact from that use to your mind every time that you need to purchase the plastic bags. Sep 11, 2012 9:00 PM 203 More stores with recycle bins for plastic bags. Sep 11, 2012 3:08 PM 204 People have a choice, let them decide for themselves. Sep 11, 2012 2:36 PM 205 I can understand banning plastic but to ban them and charge for paer is not something I am interested in. Sep 11, 2012 2:27 PM 206 If cleaned & reused by patron we would not need to have ordanices. Sep 11, 2012 2:19 PM 207 Just do it!! Sep 11, 2012 2:16 PM 208 Get rid of all plastic bags. Sep 11, 2012 2:15 PM 209 A degradable bag would help. Sep 11, 2012 2:14 PM 210 There should be more options for recycling these bags. Sep 11, 2012 2:01 PM 211 I'd really like to have a ban on plastic bags. Sep 11, 2012 1:59 PM 212 I use all my bags Sep 11, 2012 1:54 PM 213 Good Luck Sep 11, 2012 1:48 PM 214 I like the idea of getting a bag credit when I bring reuseable bags. Sep 11, 2012 1:42 PM 215 Fees! Sep 11, 2012 12:56 PM 216 Letting people know how the plastic effects things. And show how easy it is Sep 11, 2012 12:56 PM 217 Do not agree with ordinance to avoid giving out bags. Sep 11, 2012 12:54 PM 218 Have separate plastic bin. Sep 11, 2012 12:53 PM 219 curbside pick up Sep 11, 2012 12:52 PM 220 Make recycling available curbside. Sep 11, 2012 12:51 PM 221 Convience Sep 11, 2012 12:49 PM 222 Charge higher fee for bags, paper & plastic. Sep 11, 2012 12:47 PM 18 of 142

223 Encourage using recycled plastic bag Sep 11, 2012 12:46 PM 224 Less plastic use other materials like recycled paper. Sep 11, 2012 12:44 PM 225 I want curbside recycling for plastic bags. Sep 11, 2012 12:40 PM 226 Charging customers for plastic bags at retail outlets!! Sep 11, 2012 12:21 PM 227 High taxes on plastic bags. Sep 11, 2012 11:40 AM 228 To reuse as trash bags. Sep 11, 2012 11:35 AM 229 I like to reuse as garbage bags. Sep 11, 2012 11:34 AM 230 I do not like the use of plastic. I prefer paper. Sep 11, 2012 11:28 AM 231 Have environmentally friendly bags at the stores. It is costs dollars, that's ok. Sep 11, 2012 11:28 AM 232 I reuse them because I have them, which I like. I just have too many. Sep 11, 2012 11:07 AM 233 I reuse my plastic bags. They're hardy for shopping at the market. Sep 11, 2012 11:06 AM 234 There should be a small charge for each bag. Sep 11, 2012 11:05 AM 235 I'd be concenred that some small businesses would be hugley affected (but probably yes) 236 Sanitary, reusable, and my store takes them back when I do not need them. Ever use a paper bag in the rain? Food costs to much to fall to the ground. Sep 11, 2012 11:04 AM Sep 11, 2012 7:53 AM 237 OK only if they are reusable. Sep 10, 2012 2:34 PM 238 I would rather use recycle or paper. Sep 10, 2012 2:18 PM 239 No more plastic bags! Use more reusable discount instead of charging for plastics! Sep 10, 2012 2:03 PM 240 Truckers wrap pallets in plastic that is also ending upin landfille=10x worse. Sep 10, 2012 2:01 PM 241 Banning plastic bags is very unrealistic! Much better to educate people on the recycle and especially the reuse of plastic bags. Sep 10, 2012 1:59 PM 242 If there was mandated recycling. Sep 10, 2012 10:47 AM 243 Waste of my tax dollars to spend time and money on this when there are many more pressing issues, such as over-regulation and jobs needed. Sep 10, 2012 9:06 AM 244 Until you ban Glad bags...what's the point? Sep 7, 2012 3:49 PM 245 Make them biodegradeable so thy break down faster/easier. Sep 7, 2012 3:48 PM 19 of 142

246 I like the idea of grocery stores not unsing any plastic. Sep 7, 2012 3:24 PM 247 I like them for gooey things or to protect in the rain. Sep 7, 2012 3:01 PM 248 Not sure why folks are so against a plastic bag ban since bringing your bags is not a hard habit to remember. I remember mine! Sep 7, 2012 2:35 PM 249 Ban them!!!! It's not that hard to take your own bags to the grocery store. Sep 7, 2012 2:29 PM 250 The obvious benefit of plastic bags is the convenience. I think most people could be motivated to recycle bags by understanding the personal benefits. Alot of people aren't motivated by environmental benefits (GHG reduction, harm to animals/birds, less litter) and don't care as long as they don't perceive to be inconvenienced. People need to understand the direct financial benefit to our pocketbooks, how the social costs affect our pocketbooks and our local governments' budgets (which also affects our personal finances). People need help connecting the dots back to "what's in it for me?" I think people also need help understanding that reusable bags are inexpensive and as easy to remember to take into the store with you as remembering your purse or wallet...you make it a habit. Some arguments for the ban could be (1) our addiction to plastic bags further contributes to our dependence on foreign oil and how that impacts the American economy, (2) if we reduced by, say, half the number of plastic bags used in America in a year, how much money would that free up to invest in our economy and jobs? (or other viable comparison), (3) are the far-reaching consequences of our plastic bag addiction worth the amount of time bags are used? (e.g., the 30 or 60 minutes from store to home to recycle or garbage can). Sep 7, 2012 1:56 PM 251 Easy to use on all kinds of sitiations. Sep 7, 2012 1:34 PM 252 Ambivalent Sep 7, 2012 1:28 PM 253 Don't like them. Sep 7, 2012 12:52 PM 254 Stop using plastic and use more paper bags. Sep 7, 2012 12:45 PM 255 I like to have plastic bags to use as trash bags in my home, to keep in my car for when I pick up other people's litter at the beach or roadside, and other varied purposes. I think charging for them would be an excellent incentive, but that banning them completely is tricky because I hate to support companies making crappy plastic trash bags. I use my cloth bags about 95% of the time I shop, and when I forget them, i either juggle my purchases, or take a plastic bag for reuse purposes. It is a tough decision between encouraging companies to make bags that hold up better for reuse because they then take longer to break down. I just moved to Thurston County and have never lived somewhere that filmy plastic is recyclable. Paper bags are a huge waste of resources, wood and fuel for transportation, much heavier than plastic. More effort for letting people know that bags are recyclable ( I know, you are probably already doing this, but I have not seen it). Encourage biodegradable plstic bags, or at least ones made from recycled materials... Long winded, but I will support any efforts to get these off our streets, out of the sound, and out of our trash. Sep 7, 2012 12:01 PM 20 of 142

256 Yes. Please allow for plastic bag recycling in curbside containers! Also, lids, ets.-all types of plastic! Sep 7, 2012 10:35 AM 257 I would like to see the stores stop offering plastic bags and go to paper only. Sep 7, 2012 10:28 AM 258 I really haven't put enough thought into plastic bags to have a strong opinion on the matter. If it is a problem, perhaps better efforts to educate the public rather than ban them? Sep 7, 2012 8:49 AM 259 I like the idea of charging a small fee. Sep 6, 2012 3:36 PM 260 I am for banning plastic bags but against charging for paper. Stores already make $ for their cheaper reusuable bags.unless they charge very small and the money goes towards direct social services like the food bank. 261 Limiting plastic bag use would be great, but I'm concerned that charging a fee for paper and banning them outright would disproportionaly affect and pennalize lower income folk who may have limited access to other bags. 262 Encourage the use of recyclable bags by providing more incentives for them and making them ore accessible. Sep 6, 2012 3:35 PM Sep 6, 2012 3:09 PM Sep 6, 2012 3:06 PM 263 Trashcan liners Sep 6, 2012 3:04 PM 264 Plastic bags can be useful in other ways then just at the store. i think we could message the consciousness of our useage. This surveyhelped me realize that alone. Sep 6, 2012 2:02 PM 265 Plastic bags are for lazy people! Sep 6, 2012 1:58 PM 266 Make it easier to recycle the bags at curbside. Sep 6, 2012 11:56 AM 267 grocery stores could give a larger discount for bringing reusable bags. 10c a bag is an incentive Sep 5, 2012 3:03 PM 268 I use them for use at home. Don't have curbside recycle. Sep 5, 2012 10:55 AM 269 Get rid of them. Sep 5, 2012 10:51 AM 270 Begin taking plastic bags in recycing container. Sep 5, 2012 9:40 AM 271 For: rainy days plastic keeps groceries dry against. Too many tossed everywhere. 272 Printed handouts with details on how to re-use plastic bags without entering waste steam. Sep 5, 2012 8:58 AM Sep 4, 2012 3:30 PM 273 10 cent/bag charge Sep 4, 2012 3:11 PM 274 I think the city needs to check the science rather than spread untrue statements about plastic bags. The fact are that paper bags create more waste. Check it out on line or the Discovery Channel. Sep 4, 2012 2:54 PM 21 of 142

275 We would like to see it banned. Sep 4, 2012 2:11 PM 276 I would like to hear the phrase: Flagrant Abuse of our Natural Resourses. All that I have heard is that it is 'such a waste'. Talk about plastic bottles for all the people. Right here in Mottman industrial there are millions of bottles made every week. I cannot imagine what it is like world wide. Sep 4, 2012 2:10 PM 277 Need plastic bags for some items in stores that are leaky! Sep 4, 2012 1:55 PM 278 I do not like them! Sep 4, 2012 1:38 PM 279 Would love to see them gone! Sep 4, 2012 1:37 PM 280 There should be curbside recycling of plastic bags! Sep 4, 2012 1:29 PM 281 They should be banned. Sep 4, 2012 1:04 PM 282 I recycle by using as a garbage bag. Sep 4, 2012 12:28 PM 283 We simply must stop filling our environment with waste that is harmful. Sep 4, 2012 12:26 PM 284 They are too easily used to pack purchases at stores-perhaps an outright ban would lead me as well as others to remember our reuseable bags that are in the trunk of my car. 285 I just think that there's better solution other then burning plastic bags. Maybe going back to paper. 286 I hate everything about plastic bags and would support banning them in our community. Sep 4, 2012 12:24 PM Sep 4, 2012 12:21 PM Sep 4, 2012 12:01 PM 287 Use them for garbage but would use biodegradable bags if plastic were banned. Sep 4, 2012 10:46 AM 288 Trash liners! Sep 4, 2012 10:44 AM 289 No comment. Sep 4, 2012 10:22 AM 290 I use for dog waste from my own yard and while out walking. Sep 4, 2012 10:12 AM 291 They fit my kitchen garbage container. Sep 4, 2012 9:47 AM 292 Allow for curbside pick up-other states allow curbside pick up. Sep 4, 2012 9:45 AM 293 Find a way to recycle at curbside. Sep 4, 2012 9:26 AM 294 Allow them in curbside recycling. Sep 4, 2012 9:14 AM 295 Not a good idea. Sep 4, 2012 9:14 AM 296 Like they can be used for other purposes (such as trash and other uses). Not too found of some of the alternative options. Sep 4, 2012 8:54 AM 22 of 142

297 I re-use the bags as trash can liners. It is unclear to me whether plastic bags can go into the recyclables. I throw away (in my garbage) the bags that have holes in them; I only re-use the good ones. Sep 3, 2012 2:07 PM 298 I would like to see plastic bags go away. there is no need for them Sep 3, 2012 11:34 AM 299 plastic bags littering the streets and freeways shows just how much of a throwaway society we are. Eliminating plastic bags can help change that mentality. Just the texture and feel of a paper bag intuitively tells people how easy it is to reuse or recycle, since we're all pretty used to recycling other paper products. 300 I am for banning plastic bags. I would like to help in any campaign for this. I rarely use plastic bags and when I do receive them I either reuse them or take them to the recycle center. Magen Blevins magenelizabeth@hotmail.com 301 I generally use my own reusable bags, but sometimes i don't have them with me. I use the plastic bags to line my kitchen waste can or hold pet waste. I also collect any bags with holes in them and return them to the store along with other plastic packaging, if I can poke my finger through it (recyclable). If plastic bags are banned, the county should require stores and drycleaners to take in clean non bag plastic packaging- wrappers, plastic film, baggies, etc. for recycling. 302 I think plastic bags are a waste of resources and that reusable bags should become mandatory or a surcharge put on plastic bags to support recycling efforts. I also think they are a danger to marine life and a hazard to the well being of our planet. Credit for reusable bags and charge for plastic or paper would encourage the use of reusable bags. Some may argue that the manufacturers of these bags will suffer however some risk is always involved when change is necessary. Sep 3, 2012 8:25 AM Sep 1, 2012 1:44 PM Sep 1, 2012 1:29 PM Aug 31, 2012 2:37 PM 303 Have a contest between elementry schools. Aug 31, 2012 12:44 PM 304 I like to resue them for pet waste & trash. Aug 31, 2012 10:41 AM 305 enforce reusable bags Aug 31, 2012 10:38 AM 306 Because it recyclable and easy to use! Aug 31, 2012 9:54 AM 307 Plastic bag-needs for some waste matters malls & grocery store should encourage people to recycle plastic bag carefully. Aug 31, 2012 9:33 AM 308 Convience Aug 30, 2012 2:21 PM 309 More recycling points of contacts and mandate waste companies to accept them. Aug 30, 2012 1:25 PM 310 They don't rip as easyas paper bags. Have more recycling places at the stores. Aug 30, 2012 1:10 PM 311 Need to make recycling available at more sites and start a research project to develop and design "plastic" bags that will rot into compost after a specific time period. Aug 29, 2012 3:36 PM 312 Curbside plastic bag recycling from home would help. Educate school kids about Aug 29, 2012 3:33 PM 23 of 142

it because they will care and nag their parents when they use them. hee hee! 313 Used properly, plastic bags are an efficient item to use, e.g., pet waste and wastepaper baskets. If plastic bags could be recycled along with other curbside recyle, that might decrease littering and detrimental exposure to wildlife. 314 Having curbside recycling of these bags would make it so easy to recycle them. They also have other uses, so I'm not in favor of not having them anymore, just make it easier to recycle them. Aug 29, 2012 9:45 AM Aug 29, 2012 7:29 AM 315 Go TCSW - eliminate those bags! Aug 28, 2012 7:19 AM 316 Until we can get plastic bags eliminated, we need to do something to eliminate the litter from plastic bags flying out of the one-person trash pick up trucks. I suggest that large stickers be added to trash cans that say "no loose plastics" and in small letters, "reuse or recycle your plastic bags". Stickers shold be added to recycle bins that say "no plastic bags". I think on windy days, the trash trucks should be required to have a secondperson pick up the flying trash. Plus, the county should pick up trash soon after the edges of the roadways are cut back, lots of trash visible and easy to get to, especially plastic bags. If not everywhere, at least near Puget Sound. Our roadway drainage ditches become creeks that go right to Henderson Inlet. Aug 28, 2012 6:06 AM 317 More places to recycle! Aug 27, 2012 2:15 PM 318 Plastic bags are insignificant compared to packaging and needless products. Aug 27, 2012 1:14 PM 319 Banning plastic is fine. Paper should be free. Aug 27, 2012 1:11 PM 320 The only thing I like about plastic bags is I always reuse them for many other things. Aug 24, 2012 3:41 PM 321 A better way to recycle plastic bags. Aug 24, 2012 3:29 PM 322 Educate community Ban - 1. Hazard to sea life 2. Take too long to Aug 24, 2012 3:27 PM 323 They create a lot of roadside trash Aug 24, 2012 3:22 PM 324 They are easy to use Aug 24, 2012 3:21 PM 325 They should be banned. it uses to many resources. Aug 24, 2012 3:15 PM 326 I don't like plastic bags. No more plastic bags. Plastic bags riun our ecosystem Aug 24, 2012 2:24 PM 327 Surely someone has invented a bag that is more easily biodegradable? Aug 24, 2012 2:22 PM 328 More info. about where can recycle Aug 24, 2012 1:59 PM 329 Eliminate the plastic holders on beer & pop cans - Please! Aug 24, 2012 1:54 PM 330 How much change in the environment do you really believe will occur if everybody recycled their plastic bags? Aug 23, 2012 3:11 PM 24 of 142