Pinehurst Seattle

I just learned that Walmart is negotiating to purchase the property in the NW corner of Roosevelt Way NE and Northgate Way for a new urban concept store. The store would have underground parking, a two-story street level store and housing (including employee housing) above. Read more here.

Editor’s note: Chad Lupkes is a Pinehurst resident who moved to the neighborhood in 2000. He will be posting here on important city issues in order to encourage discussion and civic participation.

One of the items that will likely be on the ballot in August is a ratification of the 20 cent plastic bag fee. The Seattle Times reported this past Tuesday that the Coalition to Stop the Seattle Bag Tax has collected enough signatures to put the law passed last July on the ballot to let the citizens of Seattle make the final decision.

My wife and I have been using the green reusable bags for about 3 years now, and the grocery retailers have been doing a fantastic job promoting their use since the law was passed. We still get plastic bags every once in a while when we need some for trash or other uses around the house. But we try not to use them very often.

I define activism as learning the answers to three questions. First, what decision is being made. Second, who is making that decision. And Third, how can I influence that decision.

The decision about this 20 cent fee is now ours. I think it’s a step in the right direction, to try and reduce the amount of plastic our culture, or at least our city, uses.

What do you think? Let’s talk about it.

Chad Lupkes

References:

• Seattle Times
• Green Bag Campaign – Advocates for a “yes” vote.
• Stop the Seattle Bag Tax – Advocates for a “no” vote.