As you know, last month, the Seattle City Council and Mayor Nickels stood
with Seattleites who want to reduce pollution in our neighborhoods and
waterways by passing a Green User Fee on throw-away bags that will greatly
increase the use of reusable bags.
Now, the
Washington, D.C.-based American Chemistry Council and the Washington Food Industry have
launched a big-money campaign to try and repeal the legislation, funded by
national chemical advocates.
Washington
Food Industry members include stores we all know—Charlie’s Produce, Town & Country Markets (Ballard
Market, Central Market, etc), Metropolitan and Thriftway Markets, Bert’s Red
Apple.
If the signature-seekers secure the required 14,000
valid names, there will be a referendum up for vote in
August 2009. This is bad, not only because the Green Fee will not take effect
in January as planned, but it also gives industry groups lots of time to
influence public opinion with huge, costly misinformation campaigns.
We are
already seeing evidence of this misinformation campaign on the chemical
industry’s slick new website which attempts to label as a “tax” what is really
a voluntary 20-cent user fee that is easily avoidable by simply reusing an
existing bag.
What is a simple thing we can all do to maintain the integrity
of this locally-initiated and locally-adopted common sense decision?
Refuse to sign!
We believe that reducing the use of throw-away bags is a
common-sense step to improving the health of our community.
When the signature gatherers ask you to sign up for more
waste and pollution, take the common sense approach. Say “no” to millions of throw-away bags each
year by refusing to sign. Instead, say
“yes” to a cleaner future by taking the simple step of packing a bag when you
go to the store.
For more information, or to join our email list, please contact us at
info@foamfreeseattle.org
