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Nov 07, 2024

Plastic Bag Reduction Act Gaining Support Among Businesses In Annapolis - The BayNet

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Plastic bags are causing a significant amount of environmental waste across the United States, but Southern Maryland counties are enacting new laws and programs to curb the problem.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Plastic bags are causing a significant amount of environmental waste across the United States, but Southern Maryland counties are enacting new laws and programs to curb the problem. Although plastic bags offer a cheap alternative to other materials, they aren’t environmentally sustainable, so Maryland is working hard to provide alternatives in the form of reusable bags.

A 2022 study reported that 60–99 million metric tons of plastic waste were created in 2015 alone. If plastic waste wasn’t a big enough problem on its own, some plastics contain chemicals with high toxicity levels. Overall, the mass production of plastic bags isn’t sustainable, but lawmakers in Maryland have recently taken action.

Deputy City Manager Jacqueline Guild provided The BayNet with more details about the steps being taken to eliminate plastic bag use in Annapolis. The Plastic Bag Reduction Act takes effect on Jan. 22, 2025. Many businesses in the historic city have already stopped providing plastic bags, putting the initiative in the hands of community members.

However, Annapolis lawmakers understand that the switch to reusable bags is not without challenges. Low-income families may face difficulty due to the price of tote bags and other alternatives. As such, Annapolis will be giving free reusable bags to low-income residents.

Although the free bag program is still a work in progress, it will provide community members with strong bags that contain handles. The goal is to create a reusable bag that can be used to carry groceries or other consumer products to avoid the necessity of plastic bags in daily use.

As an alternative to carrying around reusable bags, consumers in Annapolis will also be able to purchase paper bags from businesses for a minimum of 10 cents. Exceptions to the Plastic Bag Reduction Act include dry-cleaned clothing, baked goods, and bulk items.

With the introduction of the Plastic Bag Reduction Act, Annapolis is joining other Maryland counties that have already limited the production and sale of plastic bags. Anne Arundel County banned plastic bags on Jan. 1, 2024. Additionally, Prince George’s County has banned the sale of plastic bags, while neighboring Montgomery County requires that businesses charge 5 cents for plastic bags to discourage their use.

Environmental initiatives like the Plastic Bag Reduction Act in Annapolis have been emerging across Southern Maryland over the past decade. The BayNet recently interviewed the Green Team, a volunteer organization in Chesapeake Beach that works to keep its local community clean.

By passing new laws and providing community resources, such as free reusable bags, counties across Maryland and the United States can help transition residents into a greener future. Although plastic is currently integral to our society, it can be phased out over time through increased environmental awareness and lawmakers who invest in the future of America.

You can visit the Annapolis Website to find out more about the Plastic Bag Reduction Act.

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