No More Plastic Bags, Philadelphia! (almost…)
June 11, 2009
Good news – Philly is thisclose to banning an environmental catastrophe – in the form of plastic bags.
Yesterday, City Council’s Committee on the Environment voted unanimously to approve legislation banning plastic bags used in supermarkets, pharmacies and stores. The typical plastic bags must be replaced after July 1, 2011 with recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags or reusable bags.
Part of the ban will also include educational programs for retailers to explain the environmental measure to consumers prior to enforcement – So Philadelphia retailers can rest easy and reduce potential complaints.
Final vote goes to the full Council next week.
This makes me very happy for Philly. (San Fran & other cities have already implemented similar measures.) But why wait two years? Remember when the smoking ban was implemented the same day? Regardless, Philadelphia’s continuing to make strides in becoming an environmental leader – such as other ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
Posted by Julie
Filed under: Green News & Politics, Philly Represent!
8 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Nic G | June 11, 2009 at 3:43 pm
This is a great step. Now if only I can stop forgetting to bring my reusable bags to the supermarket…
2.
Paige | June 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Such great news!
3.
Beth | June 12, 2009 at 10:41 am
Nic G- I used to have the same problem!
One suggestion is to keep the bags in your car or by the door so you’ll grab them before you head to the store.
Or, do what I do- I write a reminder on my grocery list so I’ll remember to bring the bags in when I glance at the list before going into a store.
4.
Nic G | June 12, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Thanks Beth…good tips!
5.
rhodeygirltests | June 16, 2009 at 7:46 pm
this is great! i have gotten my fiance to bring a reusable bag by buying him one of those baggu ones that folds into a small little pack. it fits right in his laptop case.
6.
Odzyskiwanie Danych | June 18, 2009 at 4:13 am
Now I only hope this trend will spread throughout the whole country. Plastic bags are just way too archaic for these days.
7.
Julie | June 18, 2009 at 9:24 am
I’m glad to see everyone’s excitement for this bill/dislike for plastic bags! Hopefully it won’t just be retailers that stop using them, but an increased awareness of consumers will turn more people using canvas/other bags. Nic, another idea is to buy a reusable bag to put in your purse – they have ones that roll up mini-sized, so even if you ‘forget’, you still have one on you! I know they have them at Arcadia, the Big Green Earth Store and other local stores, only about $8-$12 or so.
8.
Ken | September 19, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Great post. Does anyone know other states? I have been using reusable bags for 2 years. Trying to spread the word to family and friends. New law will help.
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