Ever since I learned about the Bag It campaign through an article I wrote for my school newspaper, I’ve been inspired to change a lot of things in my life. Even my family is starting to understand the idea of reducing our use of plastic. The possible bag ban that has started a heated debate in Durango is great, even if it doesn’t result in the ban. It has educated me and many of my friends and has hopefully gotten people thinking about their footprint as well.

The movie “Bag It” was the first big thing that got me to really think, and it’s a great way to learn more about how plastic shopping bags have affected the planet. The environment is so important and humans haven’t been very conscious of that, but it’s never too late to start changing our ways and taking little steps to clean up the Earth. Cities like Seattle and Bisbee, Ariz., have recently put plastic bag bans into effect, which is proof that Durango can do this and succeed.

I hope the Bag It campaign has struck up the conversations in Durango – not just for the sake of this generation, but the generations to come.

Tatiana Hovland

Durango