Recap: Lincoln County's Hallow-Green Party a success!

Nearly fifty people showed up to support the Lincoln County OLCV at the group's first Hallow-Green Party in Lincoln County. The event was a success, raising over a $1000 for the Lincoln County Chapter of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

But, for many, the real highlight of the night's festivities was a debate on the pros and cons of single-use plastic bags. 

Here's a short recap.

Charlie Plybon of Surfrider presented a strong case in support of banning single-use plastic bags. Plybon read off a laundry list of negative health effects that plastics and plastic bags have on humans and animals (especially plastic bags that wash into the ocean).

Don Andre, who serves on the board of the Lincoln County Community Forest Project, defended plastic bags asserting that Charlie, and anyone else who supports a ban on plastic bags, must be a "tree killer."  Plybon pointed out that he was not advocating for the use of paper over plastic and encouraged audience members to bring their own bag when shopping.

Rolla Cleaver, Chair of the Lincoln County OLCV,  polled the audience before and after the debate to determine whether the crowd supported a ban on single use plastic bags. While audience members were split before the debate, the majority of audience members supported a plastic bag ban after hearing both sides.

After the debate, Lincoln City Mayor Lori Hollingsworth, covered in plastics as the Pacific Gyre (see photo above), won best costume.

Special thanks to Steve Wilson, local craft brewer and owner of SKW Brewing,  for hosting one awesome party and Rob Connell who organized a talented group of musicians who donated their time and superb talent for this special event.

Rob led the group on guitar and vocals. Additional thanks to band members Mark Mugnai, guitar and vocals; Dean Bristow, blues harp and vocals; Ray Vance, drums; Neal Staufenbeil, saxophone; and Jan Kaplan base and vocals.

And a BIG thank you to Charlie Plybon and Don Andre!

All proceeds strictly benefit the Lincoln County OLCV and their work to pass green laws, help elect responsible, pro-environment candidates and hold our elected officials accountable in Lincoln County.