There was a time, built by our forefathers, that proclaimed all production as good. All growth and development was something positive. Anything bigger was better, and waste was never a concern. While this train of thought may be good for the economy, we do live on a planet of finite resources and finite space. This exponential growth of extraction and production is not sustainable, nor are environmental costs of many products. The fee on disposable bags is not an attack on consumers; it is a small and meaningful step toward sustainability and an attempt to educate and increase public awareness of our mindless waste.

The choice to use disposable bags does not affect the Baby Boomer generation. It does, however, affect mine. It shapes the world that I will live in. The world that my friends, my children, your children, will be living in. A 10 cent fee on disposable bags won’t solve all the problems, but it’s a step in the right direction. It gets people thinking. When people become conscious of their choices, that’s when real change starts to occur.

People need an incentive to change habits. Ten cents isn’t a lot, but it’s enough to make people stop and think, and hopefully reduce their use of disposable goods in other parts of their lives. It’s a start. For my generation, and generations to come, please vote for the disposable bag ordinance.

Phil Carter, Associated Students of FLC senator, Student Services chair

Durango