by Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director, Clean Air Council
“Philadelphia City Council’s decision not to support a plastic bag ban is a step in the wrong direction for Philadelphia. This ban was almost identical to San Francisco’s ban which successfully eliminates over 5 million bags per month. These single use plastic bags will continue to litter our streets and park, fill our landfills, harm urban wildlife, clog our sewers and cost taxpayers millions of dollars.”
“It’s Clean Air Council’s impression that the ordinance did not pass because it encountered such strong opposition from the plastics industry and large retailers such as Shop Rite, who called for an increase in recycling of plastic bags and “bag return centers” at supermarkets and pharmacies. The reality is that plastic bag recycling programs do not work, only 1 to 5 percent of plastic bags end up being brought back to the store and properly recycled, as opposed to paper bags which have a 20 to 30 percent recycling rate.”
“Clean Air Council commends Councilman Frank DiCicco – the bill’s sponsor, his staff, and all those in support of the bill for their continued efforts to reduce waste, improve Philadelphia’s environment, and save taxpayer dollars.”
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Background- Philadelphia’s proposed Plastic Bag Ban, was introduced in February 2009, and supported unanimously by City Council’s Committee on the Environment in a June 10, 2009 hearing. The ordinance would have prohibited all large supermarkets and pharmacies, with gross annual sales of $2 million or more and at least 5 locations under the same ownership within Philadelphia from distributing single-use plastic shopping bag in favor of customers bringing their own re-useable bags, compostable plastic bags, or paper bags with at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled content.
Clean Air Council is a member- supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone’s right to breathe clean air. The Council works through public education, community advocacy, and government oversight to ensure enforcement of environmental laws
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Katie Edwards
Project Coordinator
Clean Air Council
135 S. 19th St. Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.567.4004, ext. 102
(fax) 215.567.5791
www.cleanair.org
The Montgomery County Commissioners presented Lower Merion Township with a check for $1.3 million Wednesday to develop over two miles of recreational trail and preserve an 8.29 acre tract along it.