Staff editorial: Book the bag fee

After Washington became the first city in the country to tax disposable shopping bags nearly two years ago, local and regional officials took note of the program, which by most accounts has been an overwhelming success. If two of the state's elected officials — Del. Barbara Frush (D-Anne Arundel and Prince George's) and Sen. Paul Pinsky (D-Prince George's) — get their way, then Prince George's County may soon have the power to implement a similar fee.

Disposable bag use plummeted by about 80 percent after Washington established a 5 cent fee in January 2010, and the nearly $2 million in revenue has funded efforts to clean up the Anacostia River. Montgomery County quickly took notice and passed similar legislation that goes into effect Jan. 1, and a statewide bag fee — which was backed by the university's Student Government Association — passed the Maryland state Senate before stalling in the House of Delegates during the spring legislative session. Delegates currently intend to introduce similar legislation in 2012. Even if a statewide plan fails, it seems likely a Prince George's-specific legislation would pass, because the bill would simply grant the County Council authority to enact its own proposal.

This editorial board believes the proposal is an example of government intervention at its best: Not quite the invisible hand of a free market, but far less burdensome than stereotypically heavy-handed legislation. The plan is expected to call for a fee of 5 cents per bag — the final rate would be determined by the County Council — but will give consumers a choice to opt out by supplying their own reusable bags.

Instituting a bag fee is intelligent because it tackles an important environmental issue — pollution in the Anacostia River watershed — by reducing the use of plastic bags that, by some accounts, make up about 50 percent of the waterway's garbage. Meanwhile, consumers who choose to use disposable bags automatically fund programs to clean the river.

And frankly, given this institution's record of dedication to environmental and sustainability initiatives, it's surprising this university hasn't enacted a similar policy. While Dining Services has made some commendable strides toward sustainability — including the recent introduction of reusable carryout containers — the department operates six shops across the campus, selling everything from food and drinks to medicine and school supplies. The shops use recyclable high-density polyethylene bags, but students frequently purchase only a handful of items for a snack or lengthy study session, and who needs a plastic bag when you've got a backpack?

The overall impact may be admittedly small, but between the Dining Services shops and businesses in Stamp Student Union, a disposable bag fee would be an effective way to reduce pollution and encourage sustainability practices on the campus. As an added bonus, the university could direct proceeds of the fee to the University Sustainability Fund, which supports projects chosen by a student-majority subcommittee of the University Sustainability Council.

Rather than wait for the local or state government to approve a bag fee, the university should move to institute a policy of its own. The efficacy of such legislation has been demonstrated in nearby Washington, the SGA overwhelmingly supported a similar statewide initiative and students and university officials are always eager to demonstrate dedication to environmental initiatives. If state officials get their act together and pass legislation, the university can phase out its policy or, better yet, keep it on the books — until then, let's give students some motivation to make decisions that promote sustainability.