Plastic Bag Ban Hearing In Baltimore

On Tuesday, January 5, 2010 the Baltimore City Council will hold another hearing on a plastic bag ban in Baltimore.  Since 2008, Councilman James B. Craft has been leading efforts to make Baltimore the second city in the nation to ban plastic bags in grocery and retail chain stores.  San Fransisco was the first.  In previous hearings, where legislation would require a charge 25 cents for each plastic bag, the bill failed.

PLASTIC NEVER BIODEGRADES
It only breaks down into smaller & smaller pieces that become part of the ecosystem.  In the middle of the Pacific Ocean lies a floating garbage patch twice the size of the Texas.  It is a place where the water is filled with six times as much plastic as plankton and is referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Really, is 25 cents to much to ask to remind us to bring our own bags to stores?  People from other parts of the world have been bringing their own bags to stores for years.  According to the BBC, a 2002 tax on plastic shopping bags in the Republic of Ireland has cut their use by more than 90% and raised millions of euros in revenue.

If you would like to support Councilman Craft’s efforts to ban plastic bags in Baltimore, contact your city councilman.

To identify your district, CLICK HERE.
To identify your city council member, CLICK HERE.

Sample letter:

Dear City Council Member _____,
I am aware of an upcoming city council hearing on plastic bag prohibition in Baltimore.  I am a Baltimore City resident from your district and I support the effort to ban plastic bags in our city.  Plastic waste is a detriment to our landscape and waterways, as it never biodegrades.  I understand, that in order to reduce plastic waste in Baltimore, residents will be required to bring their own bags to stores and/or pay a surcharge. I accept this proposal and hope that you will work to pass these measures.

Thank You,
Your Name
Address