Time for Philly to say goodbye to plastic bags. It’s been a long time coming and, while it’ll certainly be an adjustment, it’s a necessity. The city tried this before in 2007 and here we are again almost 15 years later. Since then, a number of other major US cities have implemented a ban, including Los Angeles, Seattle and Washington DC. Once again, Philly is playing catch up.
What’s wrong with a little plastic?
According to phila.gov, “Philadelphians use almost 1 billion plastic bags each year, which litter our streets, waterways, and commercial corridors. Plastic bags account for over 10,000 hours of lost staff time and pose a danger to workers at recycling facilities because they get caught in the equipment. Banning plastic bags will make our city cleaner, reduce waste and save money.”
It clutters our city streets
Look around. Philly is dirty (very dirty) and has earned the moniker of Philthadelphia for a reason. Plastic bags aren’t entirely to blame for our trash problem, but banning them would be step in the right direction. One less bag getting stuck under my car or decorating a nearby tree is totally worth the ban in my opinion.
It never goes away
Plastic isn’t biodegradable. It sticks around forever. Because of this, it accumulates exponentially, clogging our landfills. Alternatively, burning plastic emits toxic gases, which pollutes our air. It’s a real lose lose situation.
It’s bad for the environment
I’m not an activist by any means, but plastic is bad for the environment, especially in the form of plastic bags. Its ends up in our forests and in our oceans. Animals digest it or are entrapped by it. The effects of plastic on the environment are significant. You can read more about them at healthguidance.org.
Where are plastic bags banned?
All single-use plastic bags are being banned in, but not limited to, following establishments:
- Restaurants
- Food trucks
- Convenience stores
- Department stores
- Delivery Services
- Supermarkets
Honestly, the ban on plastic bag use in supermarkets will probably be one of the tougher adjustments. Still, it’s time for Philly to say goodbye to plastic bags.
Is the ban in effect now?
Yes and no. On paper the ban went into effect on July 1, but won’t be fully enforced until October 1. My wife and I, thinking the ban started in July, went to Shoprite that first week with like 20 re-usable bags only to realize that plastic bags were still in full use. But hey, at least we were prepared. We actually started using the re-usable bags ever since.
Here is the city’s full implementation timeline.
Where can I buy reusable bags?
Amazon, duh! We got our reusable bags from BeeGreen on Amazon. We bought two 10-packs. Each bag is extra large (bigger than the plastic bags at the supermarket) and sturdy (can hold up to 50lbs). We used them maybe five times so far and they’re all going strong. No wear at all. The bags come with a tote bag as an added benefit.
My only gripe with these bags are the colors. They’re too many colors. I feel like a freaking clown when I pull them out of my pocket.
If you don’t want to shell out cash for reusable bags. Take a trip to Target. They’re handing out reusable bags for free (as long as you buy something of course).
There you have it. Now you know why plastic is bad, when the ban on plastic bags will be enforced, and where to buy some reusable bags. No more excuses! It’s time for Philly to say goodbye to plastic bags. Now only if we could get our trash picked up on time.
What are your thoughts? Are you for or against the plastic bag ban?
