Photo: FLLewis. Media City G -- Burbank reusable centennial bag
I noticed it soon after the big party of the century to celebrate Burbank’s centennial back on July 8. Whenever I took my colorful Burbank centennial reusable bag out in public — someone would comment on it. “What a cool bag!” is what a checker at the Trader Joe’s on East Alameda Avenue in Burbank said as she carefully arranged my groceries in that bag. I get versions of that compliment the most.
On another occasion, a Burbank shopper pointed out that she has one just like it — but is not using it– thinking it will become a collector’s item.
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank then and now snapshots on side two of the centennial reusable bag
At the Be-Boppin’ in the Park on Magnolia Boulevard earlier this month, I picked up a second centennial bag — but I had to buy a $5 coffee mug at the Burbank booth to get it. At the party of the century, the bags were handed out free. I’m told the city ordered 15-thousand or so and the supply has dwindled.
What city officials should do is re-order say 50-or-60 or a 100- thousand of these reusable bags and give them to Burbank residents as a way to encourage the ‘bring your own bag’ mindset. That would most likely flood the city with the centennial bags — putting the skids on the collectible notion. However, it’s a much more positive way to nudge folks to help protect the environment — than the proposed extreme ban on plastic bags at checkout stands in grocery stores or charging customers money for paper bags.
