The debate over plastic bags has hit the state legislature in Rhode Island. The House of Representatives has passed a measure that is designed to reduce the amount of plastic bags used in stores by providing them with recyclable bag options or penalties if they don't comply.
The measure was authored by State Rep Carol Hagan McEntee of South Kingstown. She also represents Narragansett.
“I am the representative from two coastal communities and we have seen firsthand the damage that plastic bags do to our oceans and environment for many years now. In Rhode Island, we throw away approximately 26,000 tons of plastic bags and plastic film every year. When you think about how little plastic bags weigh, this is a staggering amount of waste that needs to be eliminated in our state. Plastics litter our parks, clog our rivers and oceans, and choke our wildlife. These particles end up in our soil, in our drinking water, in the food we eat and in the air we breathe. Now is the time to end this environmental and public health destruction and finally pass a statewide ban on plastic bags,” said Representative McEntee.
The bill bars an establishment from making single use plastic bags available. It also bars paper products from being used unless they are from a recyclable paper product.
Under the provisions of the bill the measure would take effect one year after it is signed or January 1 of 2024, whichever is sooner.
The senate had already approved a similar bill.
Similar laws are in place in many states including Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.
(Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images