Wow! What a week of interesting connections and conversations! My friend Alicia posted the link to the Corvallis City Council and asked people to write in about the plastic bag ordinance. She got so much feedback both for and against! It was so interesting to see the range of differing opinions out there. That kind of feedback doesn't really happen on my page. People are usually in accordance with sustainability issues. She had people complaining about everything from socialism to botulism. All because of the suggestion that one little town would like to disallow plastic bag companies from invading our homes, lawns and waterways.

My friend Joanie did post some really great suggestions for recycling plastic bags that you have or find by taking them to the local recycling center or the Corvallis co-op. Putting them in the commingled recycling isn't good, because the machines aren't made to process them, and they just get tangled. Very few people even try to recycle them though.

What was also amazing is the number of stories people had about plastic bags showing up in their yards. Where do those pesky things come from? If we're angry about that, imagine how Japan feels about the hundreds of thousands of tons that wash up on their shores every year!

Several people were excited about the ban, but lamented the animal poo disposal issue. I recommend biobags (http://www.cleanairgardening.com/dogpoopbag.html), which are compostable. Their site insists that you put them in your compost and not the landfill, because as they point out, nothing really decomposes in airtight, sealed landfills, even things that are made to. I have a friend who won't use these, because he's sure the poop can permeate the bags and get on him. It doesn't and really, you should be washing your hands thoroughly after handling poop anyway. Another cool thing at this site, speaking of compost, is this ceramic compost bucket (http://www.cleanairgardening.com/ceramic-compost-crock.html). They also have stainless steal. These have a carbon filter in them to keep the smell down, and they look really cute.

At the co-op the other day (where I have finally been enjoying a little plastic free shopping), I saw recycled, recyclable paper bags with soy inks. Hmmm...I wonder how much those cost to make and how many paper products are out there to make them. I don't think it would be a long term solution, but for awhile, it might be a useful alternative to plastic bags. I really think reusable bags are the ticket. When Trader Joe's first opened in Corvallis, they gave one to each customer. I have so many at this point, I could probably supply one to every family on my street. If people had the option of bringing their own bags or having to buy a $3 reusable one from the store, I think they would invest in and remember their bags.

My friend Kathy emailed the city and got a good response. She also directed me to the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, where I signed up for the "No Car Day Pledge," taking place September 22 (http://www.sustainablecorvallis.org/home)

Not just other citizens but the city council members I emailed had really great responses to the plastic bag ban in Corvallis. Three city councilors responded to me and to others that it has been on the agenda, they were just waiting for some community support. On the contrary, Albany officials didn't even acknowledge that I emailed them. I will email them about this lack of response to my email and their seeming overall lack of interest in sustainability. The only time I've seen them mention it, is in their encouragement of people to buy old houses downtown rather than building new ones. While I love my old house, I wouldn't call it the most sustainable investment I've ever made. Sorry, Albany.

So, we're excited about a ban on plastic bags at least in Corvallis. Maybe we can lead the state in this sustainable move. I always think that acting locally is the most efficient, least costly and least beaureaucratic way to go. Hopefully that thought rings true.