EDMONDS — In just a few months, Edmonds will be plastic shopping bag free.
In August 2009, the Edmonds City Council adopted an ordinance that will completely ban single-use plastic checkout bags in all retail establishments.
“All retail establishments must comply with the requirements of the ordinance by the first anniversary, which is Aug. 27, 2010,” said Jennifer Machuga, Edmonds planning division representative.
In an effort to garner support for and enthusiasm about the new ordinance, the Edmonds City Council formed the Reusable Bag Subcommittee (also known as the Bring Your Own Bag Campaign Subcommittee) in November 2009. The subcommittee has been planning the events and public awareness campaign surrounding the new ordinance.
In March, the subcommittee reached out to the Edmonds School District with a “Bring Your Own Bag for a Better Environment” poster contest. The school district’s community arts program coordinator, Laurie Piper, forwarded the guidelines to art teachers in the Edmonds district, according to Machuga. The deadline for the contest was originally set for April 10, but was extended to April 20.
“The contest was open to students in the seventh through 12th grades enrolled in local schools, (including) Meadowdale High School, Edmonds-Woodway High School, Meadowdale Middle School and College Place Middle School, (and students) enrolled in a private school within Edmonds city limits, home-schooled within Edmonds city limits, or who are residents within Edmonds city limits but attend a school outside of city limits,” Machuga said.
The subcommittee received 41 entries.
The first-place winner was Amanda Rengli, a senior at Edmonds-Woodway High School, followed by fellow Edmonds-Woodway senior Katy Olson in second place. The third-place winner was senior Blaine Palmer of Meadowdale High School. Honorable mentions went to 10 students in the eighth through 12th grades.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
