Phoenixville Says No More to Plastic Bags in the New Year

In a bold move for the environment, Phoenixville has kicked off 2024 with a bang by banning single-use plastic bags. This isn't just a local decision; it's part of a growing trend across Pennsylvania. The ban was approved by the borough council way back on January 9, 2024. It's not just about plastic bags; the ban also covers non-recycled paper bags. The goal? To reduce waste, litter, and pollution. It's a big deal because plastic production is set to outpace coal in terms of yearly carbon emissions by 2030. That's a scary thought! But why is this such a big deal? Well, plastic bags contribute to a lot of issues like litter, solid waste generation, and harm to wildlife. They also contribute to microplastics showing up in our bodies. Yuck! Phoenixville isn't rushing into this, though. Businesses have until mid-July to use up their old stock of bags and adjust. Groups like PennEnvironment are working hard to make similar changes in other municipalities. They team up with local action committees to draft laws that often give a few months' grace period. The ultimate goal? To replace plastic bags with paper or, even better, promote reusable bags. After all, who wants to deal with clogged storm drains and flooding? ```