Plastic Waste Reduction – Green Needham

The Plastic Waste Reduction Team is working to reduce single-use plastic consumption and waste in Needham.

One initiative – Two Approaches

1. 1. We are working to draft and pass a “Plastic Bag Ban” bylaw during the May 2023 Annual Town Meeting.
  2. Through presentation and outreach, we are working to educate Needham citizens on best practices when it comes to reducing plastic waste. We want to encourage shoppers to bring reusable bags when visiting stores in Needham.

The Problem with Plastic Bags
Single-use plastic shopping bags are everywhere, with an estimated one to five trillion consumed around the world every year. They harm wildlife, pollutes our land and waterways, and cause problems at recycling facilities.
Plastic Bag Ban ByLaw in Needham
We are collaborating with the Select Board to update the plastic shopping bag policy in town. We hope to join the over 150 towns and cities in Massachusetts who have already passed similar plastic bag bans.
Education/Outreach
We are working on an educational outreach campaign to encourage Needham store patrons to shop with their reusable bags. From elementary schools to local community groups, we are educating people about the benefits of choosing reusable bags over plastic or paper.

If you are interested in learning how you can help, please reach out and consider joining our team!

Read about what we’ve accomplished so far.

Resources

	Beyond Plastics Their mission is to end plastic pollution everywhere
	Beyond Plastics Beyond Plastics - Plastic Free/Zero Waste Holiday Gift Guide
	H.4234 - An Act reducing plastic bag pollution The proposed statewide plastic bag ban.
	Mass Green - Plastic Bag Ban resources for Massachusetts communities Provides extensive information on plastic bags and bans, including by-laws and ordinances passed in other Massachusetts towns and cities.
	The Problem with Plastic Bags PSA from Green Needham's Plastic Waste Reduction Team
	Trailer for the documentary film "Bag It"