Energy $mart Communities and Green Yorktown had an exclusive screening of BAG IT!
BAG IT follows Jeb Berrier, an average American guy who is admittedly not a “tree hugger,” who makes a pledge to stop using plastic bags.
BECOME A BAG IT TOWN. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BECOME A BAG IT TOWN?
Bag It Towns are municipalities that systematically reduce the collective consumption of single-use disposable bags. Our goal in 2011 is to help 20 US towns become Bag It Towns. Bag It Town requirements (must meet one):
Bag It Intro from Suzan Beraza on Vimeo.
- Voluntarily ban plastic and paper single-use disposable bags at grocery stores or town-wide.
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Pass ordinance applying a minimum fee of 5 cents per disposable bag use at all grocery stores or town-wide.
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Pass ordinance banning plastic bags completely and apply a minimum fee of 5 cents on all single-use paper bags at all grocery stores or town-wide.
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Pass ordinance banning all disposable bags at grocery stores or town-wide.
BAG IT TOWN: TOP 5 BENEFITS
- Reduction of single-use disposable bag consumption by as much as 90%.
Positive public relations for your town’s progressive, environmentally conscious culture.
Cleaner streets, rivers, lakes and oceans.
Greater sense of community-derived from community driven change.
The thrill of being an early adopter in the movement to change our single-use, throw-away culture.
First of all, Bag It Town citizens are informed, proud and often happy to explain where all the bags went and why. It’s often just the beginning. Expect your town to be quick to adopt other waste reducing habits, lifestyles and mindsets.
The transition from plastic to reusable can be hard at first — you may find some neighbors, friends and retailers reluctant to change. Others might try to stop the movement altogether. It’s helpful to remember there are reasonable objections and questions to bans vs. taxes or recycling programs and it’s important to hear out others’ ideas. However and moreover to also persevere. Ultimately, once old habits are replaced, consumers are happy and proud to tote their goods responsibly.
OKAY, WE WANT IN! WHAT DO WE DO?
In addition, contact David Allen to learn how to start. It’ll drastically be reducing your town’s disposable bag consumption. David will be your support system assisting with everything from formulating an action plan to supplying sample ordinances.
TRACK THE MOVEMENT
Finally, the ChicoBag™ company is committed to being the top resource for up to date information on the reusable bag movement and bag legislation.
In conclusion, here they have shared their interactive map with us. See what steps are being taken to eliminate single-use bag use around the world. In addition to the interactive map, the Bag Monster® Blog provides weekly updates on current bag fees, bans and reduction efforts around the world.
