Implementation Outreach
The City will conduct outreach to Tacoma shoppers so they know how the ordinance impacts them, how to get reusable bags, and where to go for more information. Some of the avenues to be used in the first half of 2017 include:
- City of Tacoma website
- Social media (Facebook and Twitter)
- EnviroNews listserv
- Neighborhood Councils and community groups
- Tacoma and Proctor Farmers Markets
- Table at community events
- Tacoma Housing Authority
- Tacoma Public Schools
- Tacoma Public Utility bill insert
- EnviroTalk Newsletter
- TV Tacoma
The City will engage with Tacoma businesses so they know how the ordinance will impact their business and what to do during the implementation period to prepare for the ordinance. Some of the venues include:
- Emails, phone calls and presentations to Business Districts and Chambers of Commerce
- City of Tacoma website with downloadable resources
- Stakeholder meetings with handouts
- Mailings to all businesses
- Present to businesses on ordinance language, allowable bags, best bagging practices, training materials, and outreach & education materials for employees and customers
Reusable Bags
During the implementation period and after the ordinance goes into effect, the City will act with best efforts to ensure that community members have access to reusable shopping bags and know where to go to get them. The City will emphasize focus on low income communities. Some options include:
- Investigate sponsorship opportunities for providing free reusable bags to the public
- Provide bags to food banks, WIC, TANF, SNAP, FAP, at community events, and through Tacoma FIRST 311 and Tacoma Housing Authority
- Work with libraries and community centers for “share-a-bag” exchange sites