Portland recently passed a five-cent per plastic bag fee ordinance. Rumors are that Lewiston-Auburn will be next. I certainly hope not.

What could be more unsanitary than people bringing their own reusable bags to the grocery store and laying them on the check-out counter where I would be putting my own groceries?

Has anybody ever seen some of those sometimes filthy unwashed bags laid on the check-out counter?

I have a better idea.

First, outlaw plastic bags altogether.

Second, outlaw the use of reusable bags or the bringing of personal bags to the grocery store.

Third, re-introduce recyclable paper bags that can be disposed of along with other recyclables at curbside pick-up.

It’s a plus for everyone. Plastic bags will no longer be there to pollute the environment or be disposed off at the landfill; it will be, by far, more sanitary for everyone; and the cost will be minimal — just a cent or two more than it is costing now for the grocery stores to provide plastic bags.

Jean Paul Labonte, Greene