Will Connecticut Ban Plastic Bags?
What's most interesting is yet again, our youth in Connecticut is leading the charge! According to this article in The Day... On Monday, the growing movement to curtail the use of plastic bags by
grocery stores and other retail outlets gained a foothold in
Connecticut when the legislature's Environment Committee heard
testimony on a bill that would ban the use of non-biodegradable bags by
2010. Americans use an estimated 50 billion to 80 billion plastic bags
annually, only a small fraction of which get reused or recycled.
“Life will go on without plastic bags, as it did for thousands of
years,” said Emily Rintoul, 15, of Portland, one of several youths who
urged lawmakers to push Connecticut to become the first state to enact
a law to ban or discourage their use. “Please don't pass this burden of
these bags onto my generation.”
Eleven-year-old Malaika King of Hartford, who preceded Rintoul with
similar testimony, concluded by handing out nylon reusable bags to each
member of the committee. Her mother, Imani Zito, sells the bags in her
store, The Green Vibrations Alchemy Café and Eco Boutique in Hartford.
It seems there's another battle being fought, though both sides appear to agree on one thing: plastic bags = bad news for the environment. Retail stores seem to favor incentives such as charging for using plastic, or rebates given for plastic bags that are returned to the store, but lots of people think an outright ban is the way to go.
When your cashier asks if you want paper or plastic - say neither! BYOB - Bring Your Own Bags! Now more then ever, CT shopping markets are offering reusable grocery bags for eco-friendly shopping convenience. I've found that many supermarkets sell these bags for $2.00 or less and they are sturdy, have flat bottoms so plenty can be packed into them, and can be used again and again. The only problem is, remembering to bring them with you! :*)
There are so many reusable bag alternatives out there as well. From hemp and organic cotton to string bags that can hold up to 40 lbs! Do your part and make a difference through example - boycott those pesky bags that are cluttering up the planet and heaping the landfills!!!
Posted by: Sarah Paquette | March 18, 2008 at 09:59 AM