To the editor:

I feel compelled to write on the bags issue. The city seems to have a habit of not looking beyond the immediate to side effects of their projects. In the case of the single-use bags, it is this: Reducing pollution is an admirable goal; however, it is important to note that single use bags can be used more than once — for trash, trips to the farmers’ market and other things.

One thing I would do in response to such an ordinance (paying for bags) is take my old bags to the stores I frequent for re-use. Since it’s inconvenient, they may not want to let me use those bags. As part of this ordinance, the city should require them to accept and refill bags that the customer brings.

Adrian Melott,

Lawrence