Over the past few weeks I have seen what looks to me like the remains of broken eggs in the parking lot of several Seattle supermarkets, as well as an overall increase in unpicked-up dog poop. It strikes me these are unintended consequences of an environmentally motivated local law that took effect on July 1 generally prohibiting stores from providing flimsy plastic grocery bags.
I was out of town on the East Coast meditating about the legacy of founding father Thomas Paine when the law kicked in. Upon my return a week later I noticed changes in the habits of my fellow Seattleites. Many had begun bringing to the stores their own resusable cloth bags–and in one instance I witnessed, a suitcase with wheels–to carry out their groceries. But a large number simply gathered up their purchases and waddled to their cars–with, it seems, various degrees of success.
So allow me to bestow another municipal nickname. As I see it, the Emerald City has become the City of Clutchers. Continue reading
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