Why charge for paper bags? Aren't they better than plastic?

Even though paper is made from a renewable resource and is recycled at a higher rate, these single-use bags still have an environmental impact of their own. The 20-cent charge serves an environmental and economic purpose. The charge incentivizes the use of reusable bags and reduces single-use paper bag waste and associated environmental impacts.   The charge also will fund additional waste reduction and recycling activities in Steamboat Springs.

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1. When do the single-use plastic bag ban and paper bag fee go into effect?
2. What stores are covered under the ordinance?
3. Why is there a 20-cent charge for paper bags?
4. Is the 20-cent charge on paper a tax?
5. Does the ordinance ban plastic produce or meat/seafood bags?
6. How will I carry my groceries home? I need those "free" bags.
7. What if I forget my reusable bags?
8. Aren’t reusable bags worse for the environment?
9. Why charge for paper bags? Aren't they better than plastic?
10. How will I pick up my pet’s waste, throw away dirty diapers, or line my small trash cans now?
11. What about recycling; isn’t that a better solution?
12. Will reusable bags make me sick?
13. What does the city plan to do with the revenue from the paper bag fee?
14. What about visitors who might not bring their own bags?