![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/jas-min-5Wfttm2CjeI-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/a>- \n
- Plastic is toxic<\/strong>: Plastics are made from toxic, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and fossil fuels.\u00a0 Most are made from a by-product of gas, called ethane, which is produced during the hydrofracking process.Plastic pollutes<\/strong>: Hydrofracking causes air and water pollution.\u00a0 When plastic breaks down it creates microplastics, which contaminate soil, water and air.<\/li>\n
- Plastic negatively affects climate change<\/strong>: If plastic were a country, it would be the world\u2019s fifth largest greenhouse gas emitter.<\/li>\n
- Plastic has harmful effects on health: <\/strong>Micro and nano-plastics have been found in the human brain, blood, lungs, heart and gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to respiratory issues, gastrointestinal issues, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risk.<\/li>\n
- Plastic is largely not recyclable: <\/strong>Because of the different chemicals used to make plastics, only 5-6% of plastics are recycled.\u00a0 The rest ends up in landfills, incinerators or in the environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Recent Wins!<\/h2>\n
Two bylaws passed during May 2025 Special Town Meeting.<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- “The Skip the Stuff” <\/strong>bylaw prohibits food establishments from automatically including accessories like utensils, napkins, and condiments in take-out or delivery orders. \u201cSkip the Stuff\u201d is considered a win for both the environment and businesses, as it will reduce waste and save restaurants money. See the\u00a0full text of\u00a0 warrant article 11.<\/a><\/li>\n
- Black Plastic Ban – <\/strong>This bylaw prohibits food establishments from using black plastic kitchenware, such as take-out containers, utensils and condiment cups. Black plastic items are often made from recycled electronic waste, which can contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and flame retardants. These chemicals can migrate into food, especially when heated, and pose a hazard to human health. Moreover, the vast majority of black plastic containers are not recycled because the technology used by recycling facilities to sort plastics cannot \u201csee\u201d the color black. See full text of warrant article 12<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
On-going Initiatives<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Improving our Tap Map<\/strong> \u2013 keep an eye on our Tap Map<\/a> as we expand the number of locations where you can easily refill your water bottle!<\/li>\n
- Supporting Senator Becca Rausch, in her efforts to pass state-wide legislation to reduce plastic waste<\/strong>\u2013 On May 6, 2025, our team went to the State House to give testimony on several proposed bills, including:\n
- \n
- \u201cAct to Reduce Plastics (S.654)<\/a>\u201d (Rausch) S.629\/H.912,<\/li>\n
- An Act to reduce polystyrene in the environment<\/em>(Lewis\/Ciccolo) S.590\/H.933,<\/li>\n
- An Act relative to plastic bag reduction (Eldridge\/Domb)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Partnering with Needham businesses and the Board of Health to help managers\/owners educate their employees and their customers about the banned single-use plastic items and the recently passed Skip-the-Stuff policy (effective January 1, 2026). Check out our Restaurant Resource page<\/a> for useful posters and reference sheets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Previous Single-Use Plastic Initiatives and Bylaws<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Needham has been taking positive steps to reduce single-use plastics for the past few years.\u00a0 Following is a list of bans that were previously passed:\n
- \n
- Ordinance banning Polystyrene, Plastic Straws, Plastic Splash Guards, Plastic Stirrers \u2013 passed May 2024.<\/a>\u00a0 Click here to\u00a0\u00a0read more<\/a> about why Green Needham sponsored the ban of\u00a0 these items<\/li>\n
- Ordinance banning Plastic Checkout Bags \u2013 passed May 2023<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Webinar](\"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Plastic-Mounting-Threat-graphic-no-links-1-100x100.png\")
<\/a>Webinar Recording – Plastics: the Mounting Threat to Public Health<\/a><\/h3>
Watch this informative webinar by Dr. Philip Landrigan about the health risks of plastics, and learn how we can take bold steps now to reduce exposure.<\/div><\/li>![\"Green](\"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pixabay-bottle-5870037_640-100x100.jpg\")
<\/a>Green Needham Launches Tap Map<\/a><\/h3>
Tired of the pollution and health concerns caused by single-use plastic water bottles? Explore Needham's Tap Map to learn about locations around town where you can refill your reusable water bottle.<\/div><\/li>![\"Alternatives](\"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/glass-storage-wood-cutting-board-pic-100x100.png\")
<\/a>Alternatives to Plastic in Our Homes<\/a><\/h3>
Do you want to do more to reduce plastic usage in your home? Yes, there are plastic alternatives. Read more about easy ways to switch.<\/div><\/li>![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/turtle-plastic_wiki_Commons-100x100.jpg\")
<\/a>The Problem with Plastic Bags<\/a><\/h3>
Single-use plastic shopping bags are\u00a0everywhere, with an estimated one to five trillion consumed around the world every year.\u00a0 They harm wildlife, pollutes our land and waterways, and cause problems at recycling facilities.<\/div><\/li>![\"Expanded](\"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/plastic-3491137_1280-1-100x100.jpg\")
<\/a>Expanded Ban on Single-use Plastics<\/a><\/h3>
Submitted a Citizen's Petition for inclusion on the May 2024 Town Meeting Warrant to ban specific single-use plastic items.<\/div><\/li>![\"Plastic](\"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plastic-bags-at-Needham-RTS_KRaiz-e1671218532504-100x100.jpg\")
<\/a>Plastic Bag Ban ByLaw in Needham<\/a><\/h3>
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. The ban will go into effect January 1, 2024, for large stores, and July 1, 2024 for smaller stores.<\/div><\/li>![\"Education\/Outreach\"](\"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/reuseable-bag-100x100.gif\")
<\/a>Education\/Outreach<\/a><\/h3>
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.<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Our History<\/a><\/h5>\n
Read about what we’ve accomplished so far.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Prepare the town for the upcoming plastic bag ban by encouraging Needham shoppers to bring reusable bags to the store.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are interested in learning how you<\/span>\u00a0 can help, please consider joining our team!\u00a0 Fill out the below form and someone on our Team will contact you.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
[ninja_form id=6]<\/p>\n
Resources<\/p>\n
Documents<\/h5>\n\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAn Act to Reduce Plastics – Introduced January 2023\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAttested Copy – Article 45 Vote As Amended (Polystyrene, Straws, Splashguards, Stirrers)\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBeyond Plastics Organization – Description\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFAQ about the Proposed Needham Plastic Bag Ban\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFAQs – Skip the Stuff – Special Town Meeting Warrant Article 11\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFAQs for Black Plastic Ban – Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles 12\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMotion to Amend Article 39- Plastic Bag Ban\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNeedham Plastic Bag Ban – Article 45 Adopted May 2023\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNeedham Plastic Bag Bylaw March 2023\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPlastic Bag Ban Infographic\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPlastic Bag Flyer – Created by Chris Thomas\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPlastic Check-out Bag Policy – Needham BoS\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSierra Club Letter of Support for Needham Plastic Bag Ban Bylaw\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSingle-use Plastic Banned Reference Sheet\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSingle-use Plastic Bylaw Fact Sheet\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSkip the Stuff – Employee Information Sheet\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSkip the Stuff – Flyer\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSkip the Stuff – Sign for Self-Serve Stations\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSkip the Stuff – Take-out Reminder Slip\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tStory of Wellesley Bag Ban\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSunita Williams School has “Plastic-Free Lunch” Day on April 13, 2023\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\n
Links on the Web<\/h5>\n
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAttested Copy – Article 45 Vote As Amended (Polystyrene, Straws, Splashguards, Stirrers)\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAn Act to Reduce Plastics – Introduced January 2023\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t
- Ordinance banning Plastic Checkout Bags \u2013 passed May 2023<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Ordinance banning Polystyrene, Plastic Straws, Plastic Splash Guards, Plastic Stirrers \u2013 passed May 2024.<\/a>\u00a0 Click here to\u00a0\u00a0read more<\/a> about why Green Needham sponsored the ban of\u00a0 these items<\/li>\n
- An Act to reduce polystyrene in the environment<\/em>(Lewis\/Ciccolo) S.590\/H.933,<\/li>\n
- Supporting Senator Becca Rausch, in her efforts to pass state-wide legislation to reduce plastic waste<\/strong>\u2013 On May 6, 2025, our team went to the State House to give testimony on several proposed bills, including:\n
- Black Plastic Ban – <\/strong>This bylaw prohibits food establishments from using black plastic kitchenware, such as take-out containers, utensils and condiment cups. Black plastic items are often made from recycled electronic waste, which can contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and flame retardants. These chemicals can migrate into food, especially when heated, and pose a hazard to human health. Moreover, the vast majority of black plastic containers are not recycled because the technology used by recycling facilities to sort plastics cannot \u201csee\u201d the color black. See full text of warrant article 12<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Plastic negatively affects climate change<\/strong>: If plastic were a country, it would be the world\u2019s fifth largest greenhouse gas emitter.<\/li>\n