Recycling Advocates Forum on taxing/banning disposable bags on Sept 22

Except for the very rare instances when I'm caught red-handed coming out of Fred Meyer with my goods in disposable plastic bags and spotted by someone in my GreenGroup, I'm all about reuseable bags. You name it -- I've got a Chico, EnviroSax, a Flip & Tumble and great quantities of cloth and canvas bags that I whip out whenever I'm in need of sacking up my wares. So, suffice to say its not too hard to figure out where I stand on Sam Adams' proposal to ban or tax disposable plastic and paper bags in Portland. Are you passionate about bags? Did I ever think I would ask that question in all seriousness two years ago? Recycling Advocates is hosting a public forum at Portland City Hall (1221 SW Fourth) on September 22, from 7-9pm. The discussion panel will include:

• David Allaway, Waste Prevention Specialist, Oregon DEQ
• Tom Watson, King County Recycling Specialist and Seattle-Times Eco-consumer columnist
• Sam Adams, Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-Elect
• Brian Rohter, CEO, New Seasons Market

The forum is free and open to the public. RSVPs requested. A large turnout is anticipated.