Can anyone suggest a good reason that we continue to use single-use plastic shopping bags, other than convenience and habit?

Twelve million barrels of oil are used annually to make these bags. Approximately 2.5 million of these bags are used in Waterville per year; 380 billion in the U.S. Most are discarded — only 5 percent are recycled — and unlike organic waste, they don’t break down, creating environmental hazards and unsightly trash.

We have all used these bags. But can we justify continuing to use them when it is relatively easy to switch to reusable bags?

Since our governor vetoed L.D. 57, which would have promoted the use of reusable bags by encouraging municipal-level regulations, it is now up to municipalities to do this on their own. Cities across the United States have been banning plastic shopping bags, and several Maine cities have done the same. In fact, Boston is on the verge of banning plastic shopping bags.

A dedicated group from the Sustain Mid Maine Coalition is proposing a Waterville ordinance for a partial ban on plastic shopping bags. It would apply to stores, cafes and restaurants where food makes up more than 2 percent of sales. Paper bags would still be used. This is a sensible step to take that will not place undue inconvenience on businesses or citizens.

If you have an interest in seeing this positive action take place, please communicate with your city councilor to voice support.

Bonnie Sammons

Belgrade

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