The BYOBag Committee of the Grand Rapids Area Earth Circle has campaigned for  the past 6 years to raise awareness of the waste and pollution that single use (plastic and paper) shopping bags cause; we have also encouraged shoppers to bring reusable bags when shopping.  At this time we ask the Mayor and City Council of Grand Rapids, Minnesota to take a further step by establishing a 5 cents per bag fee on each paper and plastic bag used by Grand Rapids merchants and shoppers. This will create a cleaner, healthier community and be a source of pride in our town's care for the Earth and environmental stewardship as well as an example for other towns to consider.

As a resident of the Grand Rapids area and a frequent shopper in local stores I choose to sign this petition in support of the 5 cents per bag fee.