Reusable Bag Law Goes Into Effect Jan. 1 around Chappaqua

CHAPPAQUA, NY — Starting in 2017, the town of New Castle will ban the distribution of single-use plastic bags and require a 10-cent charge for paper bags at the types of stores that use the most bags — groceries, convenience stores and pharmacies.

The law goes into effect Jan. 1.

Reusable bags are important, the New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board explained:

Single-use plastic bags

• create unsightly litter
• clog storm drains
• pollute the oceans and waterways
• harm wildlife
• contribute to climate change

and single-use paper bags

• generate 2 times the carbon footprint of plastic bags
• create 4 times the waste of plastic bags
• need 20 times as much water to produce as plastic bags

"We are proud of New Castle being the first in New York, sending a message that our residents and merchants can make a difference," board members said in the town e-newsletter Dec. 9. "Thank you for proudly supporting this new law and remember to bring your reusable bag!"

MORE READING:

• California Becomes First State to Ban Plastic Bags
  
• Bill Bans Local Governments' Right to Impose Plastic Bag Ban
• Newport's Plastic Bag Ban Could Be Drafted by January
• Plastic Bag Ban Introduced Before Boston Common Council

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