According to the Center for Biological Diversity, Americans alone use 100 billion plastic bags every year, not only polluting our waters, but they also have a huge carbon footprint. While right now it may be unrealistic to ban plastic bags on a national level, here in Fort Collins, we can make a dent on that number. It is our responsibility as a headwater state to do whatever we can to minimize the amount of pollution that is entering our waters, and protect our local ecosystem. 

A ban on plastic bags in Fort Collins would eliminate the use of plastic bags in stores and impose a fee for using paper bags to encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags. The revenue generated from having a cost on paper bags can help fund education and outreach programs related to the impacts that waste has on our environment here in Colorado.