Think Out Loud

Oregon lawmakers are considering a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. California was the first state to pass a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags, and Washington state is moving in this direction as well. While the ban seems to have momentum, some critics are questioning the huge increase in paper bag use – and the environmental impact of reusable bags. We get three guests’ perspectives on the issues involved: David Tyler, head of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Oregon; Joe Gilliam, President of the Northwest Grocery Association; and Terry Webber, Executive director for packaging for the American Forest and Paper Association.