Paper or plastic? It's an age-old debate that started almost 40 years ago and continues today in Erie County.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is pushing to ban plastic shopping bags in stores. Poloncarz said it will help protect the environment.
Several shoppers agree with the county executive. They believe reusable shopping bags are the way to go. But others think the county leader is over stepping boundaries and shoppers should choose how they want to sack their groceries.
"I agree with it. But it's going to be difficult. We got to have something in place instead of plastic bag, then we can eliminate it," Abdelrahman Masrour said.
"Want to bring your own vinyl bag or cloth bag that's most appropriate. Very environmental I'm sure. But it should not be banned. There are too many things that are banned and that should be given the choice of the people,"Carl Ingelfinger said.
San Francisco and Washington D.C. have already banned the use of plastic bags. Some downstate communities have done the same thing too. Erie County would be the first in upstate if Poloncarz gets it passed.
The County executive is planning a community forum to give residents a better understanding about this matter.
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