No More Plastic Bags, Philadelphia! (almost…)

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

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher