Persuasive Speech Outline Comm 4010

Topic: Single-use bags

Specific Purpose: To convince Washington County residents that a 5 cent per bag fee should be charged for every single-use bag used.

Thesis Statement: During this speech, I will briefly address some of the impacts and negative effects that have resulted from the use of single-use bags. Next, I will present a reasonable solution through which Washington County residents can alleviate much of the environmental and aesthetic issues that result from using the bags.

Introduction

A. Attention-getting step: Show images of single-use bags as litter and garbage.

B. Tie to Audience: Many of you, as I have, may have witnessed such conditions in places around our own state and county. 

C. Credibility Material: Articles and statistics from municipalities and government that have implemented similar ordinances and that document harm to the environment.

D. Thesis & Preview: Environmental impact, 5 cent per bag environmental fee, reduction in bag use and funds generated for additional conservation and clean-up efforts.

Body

A. Need

1. Statement of Need for Action: We need to reduce or eliminate the use of single-use bags in Washington County in order to combat litter and waste and to benefit the environment.

a. Description of Problem: Single-use bags are everywhere. They are not easily recyclable, some contain lead and wildlife and the environment are affected.

b. Signs, Symptoms, Effects of Problem: Bags are seen everywhere as they blow around, are tossed from cars on the freeway, caught in fences and trees, and are adding to our landfills.

c. Example, Narrative or Testimony: Personally finding bags in the trees and brush when I'm miles away from towns or buildings while hunting or hiking.

2. Importance of Problem

a. Extent of Problem: Addition to the problem happens every day, 24 hours a day.

b. Facts/Statistics: 

http://www.marincounty.org/~/media/files/departments/ag/trifold-business-literature-handout.pdf

http://www.sustainablenapacounty.org/site/public-policy/local?article=100

c. Expert Testimony:

http://people.howstuffworks.com/how-many-cities-have-a-ban-on-plastic-bags.htm

http://www.sustainablecitiescollective.com/cathy-rust/1085781/should-cities-ban-single-use-plastic-bags

3. Who is affected?  All people, animals and organisms are potentially affected.

a. Facts/Statistics: 

http://people.howstuffworks.com/how-many-cities-have-a-ban-on-plastic-bags.htm

http://www.sustainablecitiescollective.com/cathy-rust/1085781/should-cities-ban-single-use-plastic-bags

http://www.care2.com/causes/plastic-shopping-bags-laced-with-dangerous-levels-of-toxic-lead.html

b. Example/Narrative: Andersen's dog almost dying from ingesting a single-use bag with food scraps left it it.

B. Solution that Satisfies Need

1. Description of Solution: 5 cent environmental fee for every single-use bag

a. How Solution Satisfies Need: It provides a minimally burdensome consequence to using single-use bags.

b. How Solution can be Implemented: Through information and education. Also through a well-formulated plan proposal approved by the Washington County Commission.

(1) Plan of Action: Educate the county residents and then move toward approval

(2) Steps of Plan

(i) Include information about the issue and what the proposal involves, including relevant statistics, with utility bills that normally go to all of the households in the county.

(ii) Propose for the issue to be voted upon by the County Commission members.

C. Visualize Results

1. Describe Expected Results of Action: 70-95% reduction in single-use bag use with funds being generated for conservation and clean-up efforts through the 5 cent per bag fee.

2. Describe Consequences of Inaction: Cost of clean-up and disposal and a continuing threat to wildlife, humans and the environment.

Conclusion

A. Summary: Through the evidence I have presented, one can see the benefits that would come from implementing a single-use bag fee in Washington County.

B. Tie Back to Attention-Getting Step: Show images of clean spaces

C. Call for Action: Let's get on board and push together for this fee to provide a better today for us and a better tomorrow for our children and future generations. 

Bibliography

Buczynski, B. (2012, December 30). Plastic shopping bags laced with dangerous levels of toxic lead. Retrieved July 7, 2015, from Care2: http://www.care2.com/causes/plastic-shopping-bags-laced-with-dangerous-levels-of-toxic-lead.html

Cemansky, R. (2012, January 10). How Many Cities Have a Ban on Plastic Bags? Retrieved July 7, 2015, from howstuffworks: http://people.howstuffworks.com/how-many-cities-have-a-ban-on-plastic-bags.htm

Marin County California . (2012, January 1). Disposable Bag Ordinance. Retrieved July 7, 2015, from Marin County Web Site: http://www.marincounty.org/~/media/files/departments/ag/trifold-business-literature-handout.pdf

Napa County California. (2015). Single-use Bag Reduction Ordinance. Retrieved July 7, 2015, from Sustainable Napa County Web Site: http://www.sustainablenapacounty.org/site/public-policy/local?article=100

Rust, C. (2015, June 30). Should Cities Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags? Retrieved July 7, 2015, from SustainableCitiesCollective: http://www.sustainablecitiescollective.com/cathy-rust/1085781/should-cities-ban-single-use-plastic-bags