In an effort to reduce litter and save the environment – lofty albeit admirable goals – City Council is expected to hear legislation on the use of Styrofoam containers and plastic shopping bags. Councilman DiCicco will propose the plastic bag ban, removing the non-biodegradable from grocery and shopping stores. In the same City Hall hallway, Councilman Kenney is planning the citywide Styrofoam ban.
Both proposals combine for an environment-friendly move in a direction desperately needed for a city with a revolving door for recycling coordinators. Cardboard and paper food containers and paper bags would most likely be recyclable (and Councilman DiCicco has also recommended reusable, canvas grocery bags). If passed, the bans could assist stronger recycling efforts for the new administration, and help eliminate the commonplace plastic bag drifting across our sidewalks.
Personally, I’m unable to find fault with either recommendation. After all, recyclable litter is better than toxic litter, and this notable move could be a worthy highlight for national sustainability efforts. Thoughts?
Comments (2)
How much good will it do to mandate use of "recyclable" paper bags when the City doesn't collect recyclable paper?
As a relative newcomer to this wonderful city I might be misinformed, but I've been told that my curbside bin is for glass and metal only.
Posted by Celeste | September 20, 2007 2:52 PM
Posted on September 20, 2007 14:52
This is putting the cart before the horse. The focus needs to be on cleaning up the city FIRST.
What is City Council SPECIFICALLY doing to address the litter mess in Philadelphia? Let's get some Streets Department street sweepers out onto the streets on a daily basis!
Posted by Anonymous | September 21, 2007 12:10 AM
Posted on September 21, 2007 00:10