As a visitor to Homer who has been here for two months now, I cannot help but to have developed quite a fondness for this cosmic hamlet by the sea, Homer,  
and more importantly, the residents, are simply wonderful. 

One thing I must admit I am a bit confused about is the ordinance restricting disposable plastic shopping bags, and the numerous loopholes contained therein (Homer News, Jan. 24, 2013).

On the one hand, I appreciate the desire to “go green,” and respect the desire of a community to reduce its solid waste output and reduce plastic use in general for its “sturdiness” in the environment if discarded  inappropriately.

On the other hand, bags are often recycled by the “end user” —  as garbage bags for cars, as semi-waterproof clothing bags for a fishing trip, and then to carry fish home in after the trip, to cite a few examples. It should be noted that the paper bags required by law now may not be conscientiously recycled or reused, but instead added to the same solid waste stream the  
plastic bags were taking up space in. 

Also, plastic shopping bags are recyclable, and in my hometown the recycling containers are conveniently located at the places you get sent home with  
them.

I understand that cost is a factor in a new recycling program, but weighs fairly when compared to the costs associated with the more expensive paper bags that shops must purchase and pass along to the consumer.

As a longtime reader of the Homer News (12 years or so, secondhand from a resident), and a visitor rapidly falling in love with this city, I feel it is in the best interests of Homer to repeal the ban on plastic shopping bags, at  
least to give consumers a choice in the “paper vs. plastic” debate.

Thank you, with due respect,

Scott Slick

Milwaukee, Wisc.