Trellis in the News
Reporter:
A Portland city commissioner says it's time to get rid of those plastic bags littering our streets and landfills once and for all. Thanh Tan joins us live to tell us how a new ban in San Francisco could actually set the stage for Portland to do the same. Thanh.
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
Deb, Commissioner Sam Adams wants to know if the public can support using more biodegradable bags like this. Now the regular plastic bags you usually get at the store are made from non-renewable resources like petroleum, and we're told that just 14 of these is enough to power a car for just one mile, or an SUV for just a couple blocks, and that's why Adams says it's time to take San Francisco's lead
They look the same and do the job, but take a closer look. These are made from something very different than most bags out there.
Recyclable corn.
The Daily Grind on Hawthorne is one of the first grocery stores in Portland to give biodegradable bags a try
Vivian Jones (General Manager, The Daily Grind):
We're very conscious about what goes back into the earth.
Sam Adams (City Commissioner):
This is a reusable canvas bag.
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
So is City Commissioner Sam Adams
Sam Adams (City Commissioner):
Now this is my bag.
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
Adams says canvas bags, like his personal one here, are cheaper and sturdy. He adds these newer biodegradable ones are a solid option too.
Sam Adams (City Commissioner):
But I'm putting a lot of pressure on this and it's holding up just fine. And this is made by a Portland manufacturer. I think the quality is getting to the point now where it's, you know, it's reaching the comparable levels with the plastic bag..
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
That's why he's proposing that the city follow what San Francisco did last week - ban plastic bags made from petroleum that can linger in landfills for years.
Tom Tone (Consumer):
I think it's becoming necessary. You see it, all the litter all over the place.
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
Others contend the bags we use now are convenient.
Norman Watanabe (Consumer):
I use it to put my garbage in and I think a lot of other people do too.
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
He says the idea of outlawing them is unfair.
Norman Watanabe (Consumer):
Sure it's a nice idea, but I think it's going to cost us more, and I just like the way things are.
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
Point taken, but this store manager says a ban is the moral way to go.
Vivian Jones (General Manager, The Daily Grind):
I would like to see them move away from using the petroleum bags and go to something that's biodegradable, and granted it does cost a little bit more but it's well worth it.
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
And she adds - switching to this variety is still all about customer satisfaction.
Richard Eisler (Consumer):
What are you gonna do with all the junk that we pile up? It's also quite toxic.
Thanh Tan (Reporter):
Take a closer look at this logo. One of the only companies in the world that makes biodegradable bags out of corn is Trellis Earth Products based right here in Portland. Now the cost of making one of these is 6 cents compared to a penny for a typical bag, but Adams says it's about simple economics. If there's more demand the cost will likely go down. Live in Portland, Thanh Tan, Katu News.