Reader: Plastic bag ban in Denver would have many negative consequences

Sam Levin's post about Denver officials considering a ban or fee on plastic grocery store bags got commenters typing. Here's a response from a reader who expects that such a policy would generate a backlash on a number of fronts...

By Michael Roberts

June 27, 2012

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Sam Levin's post about Denver officials considering a ban or fee on plastic grocery store bags got commenters typing.

Here's a response from a reader who expects that such a policy would generate a backlash on a number of fronts.

eCurmudgeon writes:

If Denver does manage to ban plastic bags, the Law of Unintended Consequences is likely going to bite. Hard:

1. Shoppers will skip Denver-based stores in favor of the suburbs. 2. Cases of food poisoning will go up, due to improperly-cleaned "reusable" bags. 3. People are still going to buy plastic bags anyway, for wastebasket liners, litter box dumping, etc.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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