Re: Saanich supports Victoria’s pending ban on plastic bags ( Saanich News, Jan. 10). I for one am opposed to this recommendation. Almost daily, I walk the trails in our neighbourhood as well as the streets, especially parts of Glanford Avenue and West Saanich Road and pick up garbage using the plastic bags I have brought home from a store.
To be very honest, I rarely find plastic bags littered. What I do find are cigarette packages tossed, McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, Subway cups tossed and wrappers tossed from the same establishments. I do not blame these eateries. It is the thoughtless individuals who will not wait to put their garbage in the many garbage receptacles at bus stops.
I could walk by and ignore the garbage, but would hate to think what it would look like if neglected. I could not use a brown paper bag if raining, as all the garbage would fall out as it became saturated. I would not want to use a reusable bag and then clean it in my washing machine as you have no idea what else I pick up.
Why are we not hearing about converting to biodegradable plastic bags ? Those of us, and there are many, who take pride living in beautiful Saanich want to be able to continue to volunteer in keeping it clean. Our service is also cost effective for Saanich because … there is no cost. Please reconsider.
Also, when voting for candidates in the upcoming municipal election, those who will have my votes will be the ones who are not focused on ideology. My vote will go to those who are more interested in a government reflecting their taxpayers priorities.
Wendy Campbell
Saanich