Edgartown selectmen said they will likely put the issue of a ban on single-use plastic bags before voters at the annual town meeting in April.
The Vineyard Conservation Society presented a draft town meeting warrant article at the board’s Monday meeting. The organization is campaigning for the ban in all six Island towns.
The ban would apply only to thin plastic bags, which retailers now use to bag groceries and other goods at the point of sale.
“We feel it’s really important for our community to do as responsible stewards of our environment,” said VCS staff member Samantha Look.
Ms. Look was joined by charter school student Astrid Tilton and regional high school student Daniel Gaines, who are both active in environmental issues and are helping with the initiative.
The conservation organization is promoting the financial benefits of banning single-use plastic bags. Ms. Look said they are recyclable only in very limited circumstances, and drive up the cost of recycling.
“It’s the best of intentions gone wrong,” Ms. Look said. “They are not recyclable in single stream recycling. They cannot be recycled in the way that we think of, made into more bags.”
Edgartown health agent Matt Poole offered support.
“I don’t think the board of health has an official position, but we would support the effort,” Mr. Poole said. “It’s a function of mechanics. How do you get the regulation on the books, how do you enforce it.”
The consensus of the selectmen was to submit an article for the town meeting.
“I think we’re in agreement the article be presented, and let the town decide,” said selectman Margaret Serpa.
The town of Nantucket banned single-use plastic bags more than two decades ago. On Cape Cod,
Barnstable recently joined Falmouth, Harwich, Wellfleet, and Provincetown in banning single-use plastic bags , usually allowing a period of time for large grocery stores and other retailers to adjust their procedures.
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