The Massachusetts Senate passed a plastic bag ban last week. While I can agree that the ban on disposable plastic shopping bags will be a boon to the environment, I object to the sidebars that accompany that Senate bill. Specifically, I find the imposition of a 10-cent paper bag tax objectionable. The Commonwealth would render yet another usage fee or tax on the citizenry disguised behind a beneficial plastic bag ban. This is a typical trick of legislators national, state, or local.
Merchants have always provided a bag or container to a customer to carry out their purchases. It is a travesty to change this practice. Market Basket has not suffered a loss from providing me free paper bags but Stop and Shop has lost my business when I need to buy a bag. I do use the reusable plastic-coated shopping bags, but on the occasion where I forget to bring one into the store or I do not want to confront the mess they make sliding all over the trunk of the car, I will skip the purchase.
As for the ban on plastic beverage straws unless requested, wait for the first time you drive through Dunkies for your large iced coffee and forget to ask for a straw. Enjoy the experience of the ice and brew splashing over your clothes as you hit the potholes on the expressway.
– Stan Wollman