I am writing to support a ban on plastic shopping bags in Waterville and in response to a column by Dan Libby (“Community Compass: Proposed Waterville bag ban is ‘people control’,” Feb. 28).
Those of us serving on the committee to create an ordinance regarding the use of plastic shopping bags have no desire to punish, shame or otherwise humiliate anyone for any reason. We believe the citizens of Waterville to be intelligent, capable people.
We are a nation of laws. Our democracy depends on our ability to pass legislation that protects people, their property and the environment on which we all depend to stay well, and indeed to stay alive.
In 1962 Rachel Carson warned the world of the dangers posed by the insecticide DDT. By 1972 the EPA stopped its use. No one today pines for the good old days when we had DDT. We are all delighted that the salmon are again running in the Kennebec. I can remember when they weren’t. Our once pristine Maine rivers were filthy with pollution. These changes came about because of environmental legislation. In years to come a ban on plastic shopping bags will be viewed in a similar light and we’ll wonder why it took so long. I don’t consider any improvements made to the health of the planet to be an infringement on my civil liberties.
And yes, this is a real issue. Plastic is entering our waterways, going into the ocean and breaking down into micro pieces which are ingested by fish. We then consume the fish. This is just one of the threats posed by plastic shopping bags. To learn more go to bringyourownbag.com.
It is my sincere wish that anyone interested in this project look at our website and contacts us with any suggestions or ideas. Thank you.
Marian Flaherty
Waterville
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