Asheville, NC Considers Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags ???
H. Marchello Arcelay
Sustainability Analyst ? Environmental Compliance ?Air Quality ? Waste-To-Energy ?Regulatory Compliance ?Compliance Management ?Waste Management ?Circular Economy ?Waste Prevention ? Emissions Control
Asheville is a city that takes the environment and health of its residents seriously. That's why the City Council is considering a local ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags and polystyrene (commonly known as StyrofoamTM) food packaging at the point of sale. These products pose a significant threat to public health and the local environment since they are not biodegradable and often end up in landfills, waterways, and wildlife habitats. Furthermore, they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, which is a cause for concern.
According to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) , single-use plastic bags cause ecosystem degradation through their negative impacts on marine life, the greenhouse gas emission from the manufacturing process, and their gradual breakdown and release of toxic material. The International Energy Agency estimates that plastics will account for 20% of oil consumption by 2050.
The World Economic Forum reports that plastic pollution affects the ability of marine microorganisms to produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide, which is vital for life on Earth. ????????????
The City of Asheville wants to hear from you! The City is surveying to gather input from residents and business owners on their experiences with these products, what actions they would like to see the City take, and what kind of support would be necessary to reduce the consumption of these single-use plastic products. ???
You can access it online by clicking on the link below. Your feedback will help inform City Staff's recommendation on the next steps to the City Council in October 2023. ????
In January 2023, the City Council approved a revision to Chapter 15 of the City Code that prohibits the use of plastic bags for curbside leaf collection. This revision was a result of previous outreach and education initiatives aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices.
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Asheville is not alone in this endeavor, as eight states have already banned single-use plastic bags, and over 400 laws and ordinances nationwide ban or tax plastic bags. By joining this movement, Asheville could become the first municipality in North Carolina to set an example for others to follow and make the city a cleaner, greener, and healthier place for everyone.
Thank you for your support!
Sources:
Reusing 10% will stop almost half of plastic waste from entering the ocean. Here's how - World Economic Forum
Sustainability Analyst ? Environmental Compliance ?Air Quality ? Waste-To-Energy ?Regulatory Compliance ?Compliance Management ?Waste Management ?Circular Economy ?Waste Prevention ? Emissions Control
1 年Now that some time has passed, I wanted to revisit this story. Do you select paper or plastic? Or maybe even something crazier. Do you still like both? ??
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1 年I can’t seem to acces the link to the survey
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Insurance Service Representative | Commercial Lines Insurance Assistant Account Manager | Risk Analyst | Commercial Analyst | Underwriting Associate
1 年Marchello Arcelay, Asheville should set an example for other cities by banning plastic bags, making the city a cleaner, greener, and healthier place for its residents.