As an employee at a grocery store in Montgomery County, I am pleased with the implementation of the new bag tax, a law that initially began in D.C. I think that it would be beneficial and wise forPrince George's County, as well as other counties in Maryland, to study the idea and consider passing an anti-litter tax. This law will have a positive impact as stores will benefit from having to order less bags. A typical case of plastic bags generally costs about $30 each and paper bags are even more costly.
Furthermore, customers will be more mindful about not wasting bags when they have to pay for each bag. They will likewise be encouraged to bring their own bags or reusable bags back to the store to do their own shopping. Many stores, unlike the government, offer a 5-cent rebate for each cloth bag that is used for one's groceries. Under the tax law, customers are required to pay 5 cents for each bag, whether they choose paper or plastic.
Some grocery stores have problems with customers who come in and steal paper bags without asking. This is because of the entitlement mentality that permeates our nation. Oftentimes, management lacks the boldness to confront these customers because customer service is always a priority and seems to embrace moral relativism. Someone is paying for the bags that are wasted or stolen or blowing along the parking lot. If customers had to pay even the nominal price of 5 cents for each bag (plastic bags are worth about 8 cents each), they would be less inclined to waste them. Five cents never put anyone into poverty. The county receives 4 cents and the stores receive 1 cent for each bag that is sold. The tax is so slight, but it serves as an incentive for people to be more responsible ecologically and it is beneficial for the stores as they will not have to order as many bags. Whoever said that one cannot legislate morality? This is an example of ecological morality and it seems to be working in Montgomery County.
Matthew Pasalic
Catonsville