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The elevator pitch: Why, How & Answers to Why Not
Plastic is indispensable for many things, BUT…..
Plastic recycling: technically difficult, economically challenging
Plastics and our overflowing landfills
Incineration is not a plastic “recycling” solution
A disposable shopping bag is light, but the 5 grams add up
The US is the biggest generator of plastic waste in the world
SUP’s are a significant source of litter
Bags are a menace to recycling equipment
Plastics additives: hazardous and can leach into food
Most countries of the world already ban bags. 12 US states do.
The solution is local: Plastics lobby dominate at PA & Federal level.
Strategies and Steps for Implementing a Ban
Step 3) Educate, Sell, Influence, Persuade
Step 4) Conduct a Survey, but only if asked.
Step 5) Define the ordinance scope
Step 6) Implement a “hybrid ban” with a fee
Step 7) Clearly define what constitutes a reusable bags
Examples of Education/Recommendation Presentations
Examples of Plastic Bag Ordinances
Examples of Ordinance Summaries and Frequently Asked Questions
Examples of Ban Announcement Posters
Other Ordinance Related documents
Other Suggestions to Insure Success
Measure Compliance and Enforcement
The Forces Against Plastic Ordinances
Watch out for these Peddlers of Misinformation
Frequently asked Questions & Objections Answered
Citizens do not want a ban. (A response)
Is a ban really effective at reducing plastic bag usage?
Effectiveness of plastic regulation around the world
Why do we have to control SUPs with an ordinance?
Let’s use education and positive incentives instead of ordinances & penalties
A SUP ban is minor. Let’s concentrate on getting more impactful environmental change.
We don’t mandate motorcycle helmets, why mandate bags?
Forcing the economically disadvantaged to use reusable bags is wrong
US will be a minority if plastic bags are banned
Let’s wait for state or federal regulation.
Wegmans and others are already discontinuing SUP’s so why do ordinance?
My grocery store collects plastic bags, so they are already being recycled…
Resistance by retailers will make implementation, acceptance and enforcement difficult
Enforcement will be hard and expensive
Small local retailers will be unfairly impacted
Shoppers will shop in other (not banning) municipalities
Are there health risks to reusables? What about COVID?
I often hear about dangerous chemicals. What’s so special about plastics additives?
Aren’t cotton tote bags bad for the environment?
Paper bags have a greater negative impact on the environment than plastic…
Retail bags are not really “single-use” since they are used for dog waste & garbage can liners etc.
Without free retail bags, people will buy bags which are more expensive, and have more plastic…
Isn’t developing a sustainable, circle economy the true goal?
Most plastic waste in our oceans comes from Asia so it is not our problem…
Paper bags are hard to get and burdensome to businesses…
My restaurant cannot use paper bags for take-out…
What about grocery store deliveries?
What about ‘compostable’ plastic or ‘bioplastics’?
A ban is regulatory overreach by the township