Our Goal
The Plastic Waste Reduction Team is working to reduce single-use plastic consumption and waste in Needham.
One initiative – Two Approaches
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- We are working to draft and pass a “Plastic Bag Ban” bylaw during the May 2023 Annual Town Meeting.
Done! – Bag ban passed overwhelmingly at May Town Meeting - 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.
- We are working to draft and pass a “Plastic Bag Ban” bylaw during the May 2023 Annual Town Meeting.
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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
With overwhelming support at Town Meeting on May 3, 2023, Needham passed the Plastic Bag Ban Citizens' Petition Article, and joined the over 150 towns and cities in Massachusetts that have 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!
Our History
Read about what we’ve accomplished so far.
Resources
Documents
- An Act to Reduce Plastics – Introduced January 2023
- Beyond Plastics Organization – Description
- FAQ about the Proposed Needham Plastic Bag Ban
- Motion to Amend Article 39- Plastic Bag Ban
- Needham Plastic Bag Bylaw March 2023
- Plastic Bag Ban Infographic
- Plastic Bag Flyer – Created by Chris Thomas
- Plastic Check-out Bag Policy – Needham BoS
- Sierra Club Letter of Support for Needham Plastic Bag Ban Bylaw
- Story of Wellesley Bag Ban
- Sunita Williams School has “Plastic-Free Lunch” Day on April 13, 2023
Links on the Web
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Beyond Plastics
Their mission is to end plastic pollution everywhere |
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Beyond Plastics
Beyond Plastics - Plastic Free/Zero Waste Holiday Gift Guide |
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H.4234 - An Act reducing plastic bag pollution
The proposed statewide plastic bag ban. | |
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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. | |
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Narragansett Students Win Prize in C-SPAN Documentary Competition
"A Plastic Bay" documentary created by RI students Wins Prize in C-SPAN Documentary Competition | |
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The Problem with Plastic Bags
PSA from Green Needham's Plastic Waste Reduction Team | |
