Bag fees actually save clogs in sewer systems – yes, now happening in Durango; save the litter of bags caught in trees when blowing in the wind; save adding those bags to truck loads carrying garbage to landfills often miles from where the garbage can sits. In the scope of the garbage on Earth, this may be a drop in the environmental bucket but which drop is it that makes the bucket overflow with impact?

Environmental impact is not all that’s involved, symbolic commitment is as well. Symbols of commitment surround us. Look at the American flag – freedom coupled with responsibility; your wedding ring, your religious or spiritual symbols, maybe your cowboy hat, your bumper sticker.

Now, imagine the symbol on your grocery receipt – 10 cents for a bag – commitment to the beauty of our fair city, our nation, our oceans, our planet, our children, their children and their children. It is also a reminder to bring your own, clean reusable bag to the grocery store next time. Let’s continue following our city councilors’ lead along with 100-plus other places in the U.S. that have an ordinance, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Washington DC, New York City. Durango is not working to make an impact in isolation.

Please join me in voting for the wisely crafted city bag ordinance on your mail in ballot – coming to you the week of October 14.

Kathleen Adams

Durango