Citizens’ Greener Evanston, which boasts 1,400 members, has not taken a firm stand in favor of a bag tax or ban.
“We support 100 percent the idea of reducing disposable bags, plastic or paper,” said Ron Fleckman, president of the organization. “We are also a pro-business group. We are very willing to be an active participant in the education piece.”
Dan Mennemeyer, president of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, said the group had only begun to survey its members, and early results are mixed. Speaking personally, Mennemeyer said he had switched to reusable bags three or four years ago.
“It is now second nature,” he said.
Local business owner Todd Ruppenthal said the consensus among people at his table was that “the best ordinance would be no ordinance at all.”
Speaking later as president of the Central Street Merchants Association, Ruppenthal said, “We are not against a greener Evanston. What we are against is something we believe is very small-sighted. This is the head of the pin of what could possibly be done.”
Some pointed to the aesthetic upside of eliminating plastic bags that litter streets and alleys and get caught on tree branches. On the other hand, resident Rebecca Weber said she didn’t see as much bag litter as empty beer bottles, pop cans, diapers and old shoes.
“What are you going to ban next? Fast-food takeout?” she said. “Where does it stop?”
Weber said she views the proposal as city interference in choices she should have as a consumer.
Citizens’ Greener Evanston is hosting a presentation of the documentary “Bag It!” by filmmaker Susan Beraza that members say makes a compelling case for action. The presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 3 at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Ave.
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