Why Chicago's Plastic Taxes aren't Working
On my recent trip to Chicago I discovered something interesting: cook county places a 5% tax on plastic bags/bottles when purchased. At first glance, I really like this idea. I’m an environmental activist and I approve of any little thing that can help. And I bet right now you’re waiting for that “but” and you’d be right to wait.
Despite this tax, I am not too thrilled about what it means for consumers.
Alright, hear me out.
“In 2007, Chicago passed a five-cent per bottle water tax. The intention was that this tax would reduce the stream of plastic being discarded. Ald. George Cardenas, 12th Ward, told USA Today ‘It’s not a tax on water, it’s a tax on plastic.’
Of course, the bottled water tax is not the only tax being paid. Consumers must also pay the grocery sales tax rate of 2.25 percent. That means, on a 1-liter bottle of water purchased in Chicago for $1.49, taxes will tack on an additional $0.08. That’s an effective tax rate of 5 percent.”
This is great because it encourages consumers to use reusable bags/bottles and to face the tax if they choose not to. My complaint about this is simple; there is no mention of alternatives. It’s a little unreasonable to assume that all consumers will bring their own refillable bottles and reusable bags each time they go to the store.
The key word is “all.” Some people are used to bringing their reusable bags/bottles wherever they go. However, and quite sadly, not everyone is used to this. I suppose this tax will force train people into getting to the point of reusable alternatives as the norm. However, at first, it’s not the best way to go about implementing ethical and sustainable alternatives.
This is my personal opinion, but I think stores/companies should have some more reasonable alternatives. I know the companies did not make the law. Though, I would like to see them responding with a “problem-solving attitude” toward this new tax.
For example, there are no more plastic bags. There should be paper/biodegradable bags available for guests who aren’t used to bringing their own bags. There should be more reusable bags for sale near the checklanes.
Plastic bottles shouldn’t be sold without glass or reusable alternatives on the shelf as well. Heck, it’d be a lot more convenient for all if people could buy water through a fill station or something similar.
Now, the 5 cent water bottle tax is nothing new, however, the new fight to tax plastic bags IS. In an article by the Chicago Tribune, Robert Channick discusses the displeasure of multiple Chicagoans on the new plastic bag tax. The article states, “Chicago’s 7-cent bag tax went into effect on Feb. 1, 2017. The city keeps 5 cents per bag, while the retailer keeps 2 cents. The charge shows up on store receipts, right next to other municipal sales tax items such as the Chicago bottled water tax.”
The overall conclusion in the article was that consumers aren’t too happy about all of the taxes adding up on their receipts.
Personally, I don’t mind the tax. It’s a good incentive to keep people away from non-recyclable plastic. But where are the alternatives? Why are people forced to carry groceries out without bags? Why are people taxed on water cups and items that should be FREE for the public? What solution can we offer consumers to keep them satisfied despite these taxes?
Many reusable options are not free. Plastic bags, in most places, are or have been. Water in a cup was free. If counties and states are going to punish people (through taxes) for using plastic, they should offer free alternatives and incentives for consumers to avoid these harmful plastics.
Though when we look at it...really look at it. Are counties and states taxing people to save the planet? Or, is it all a capitalistic plan to make money? It’s a win-win for the state and businesses right? Either way, a business will get 2 cents per bag, or 3 dollars for every reusable bag sold. We have to ask ourselves, are we here for the environment or are we here for the money?
As an environmentalist. I’m outraged. There should be free alternatives. There should be some sort of push to get consumers to use reusable alternatives. Target gives 5 cents off of each reusable bag used.
But I’m just a blogger, what do I know?
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