Author: Donna Ardizzoni

From the Clean City Commission, Ainsley Smith:

The proposed plastic bag ordinance is going back to City Council (the currently sworn-in councilors) on Tuesday, November 14th at 7:00pm in City Hall. There is a public hearing where members of the public can speak for up to 3 minutes, to share their opinion on the ordinance.

Written comments are also being accepted by the City Clerk, who will distribute them to all councilors. These must be received by Joanne, jsenos@gloucester-ma.gov, before 5:00pm on Thursday, November 9th.

– The text of the plastic bag ordinance was unanimously passed by Ordinance and Administration subcommittee members Councilors Nolan, O’Hara and LeBlanc last month. Our polystyrene ordinance has already passed a full council vote and will be effective January 1, 2019.

– The ordinance would not take effect until January 1, 2019, so we have over a year to distribute reusable bags to our neighbors and allow businesses to use up their current stock, and try out new, more sustainable options.

– The ordinance allows for thin produce and meat bags to remain, to avoid any concerns of contamination, and also allows for newspaper and dry cleaning bags.

– The Clean City Commission has already secured $1750 in grants and donations to purchase reusable bags, in addition to 350 lightweight bags we already have in hand, ready to distribute to our neighbors who may need assistance purchasing reusable bags.

– Just this week, Wakefield became the 56th municipality in the state to reduce their reliance on plastic bags. As a city that relies on a healthy ocean for so much, we believe that Gloucester should be next!

Questions about the ordinance can be sent to the Commission – GloucesterMACleanCommission@gmail.com