{"id":16814,"date":"2023-05-03T12:48:10","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T16:48:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/?p=16814"},"modified":"2023-05-03T15:50:51","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T19:50:51","slug":"needham-town-meeting-poised-to-vote-tonight-on-plastic-bag-ban","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenneedham.org\/blog\/2023\/05\/needham-town-meeting-poised-to-vote-tonight-on-plastic-bag-ban\/","title":{"rendered":"Needham Town Meeting Poised to Vote Tonight on Plastic Bag Ban"},"content":{"rendered":"

By: Kathy Raiz and Robert Fernandez<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

ARTICLE 39<\/b><\/p>\n

With Needham\u2019s 2023 Spring Town Meeting underway this week, proponents and supporters of Article 39, ending single-use plastic bags in our town, are optimistic that members will deliver environmental protection to our community. For years now proponents, Town officials, and relevant stakeholders have worked together to craft the proper language and enforcement mechanisms for this comprehensive bylaw, which has an expected $0 enforcement cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Needham\u2019s plastic bag ban bylaw is narrowly tailored to single-use plastic checkout bags only, as we have readily available, environmentally friendly, low-cost alternatives in reusable shopping bags. Smaller stores are afforded an additional 6-month grace period for adherence. Proponents feel this bylaw is a great first step in reducing single-use plastics for Needham, our children, and our planet. Article<\/span> here<\/span><\/a> (p. 67), background<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>, PSA video<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>, and FAQs specific to Article 39<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ACTION<\/b><\/p>\n

Needham is uniting around this worthy cause. This is a great case where we have elected officials, (including a unanimous vote from the Needham Select Board) local\/state\/national non-profit groups, and the business community all supporting Article 39. <\/span>Today is your chance to do your part by letting your Town Meeting members know they should vote in support of this Article<\/b>. Look up your precinct<\/span> here<\/span><\/a> and email your Town Meeting members<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

For additional information, please <\/span>visit the Green Needham Plastic Waste Reduction <\/span>website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

COALITION<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Needham\u2019s neighboring towns have similar bylaws regulating plastic bags. Passage will have Needham joining the world:<\/span><\/p>\n