Wilton Democratic Town Committee

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

The idea of emulating Westport’s ban on plastic bags at retail checkout is gaining momentum here in Wilton.

Jonathan Cunitz, who was the mastermind behind the plastic bag ordinance adopted in Westport a year ago gave a very well received presentation at the Board of Selectman meeting on February 1^st.

A Bi-partisan Initiative

We have a responsibility to protect our waterways for our children and grandchildren. - Congressman HimesAlthough Democratic Congressman Jim Himes has written a letter in strong support of the initiative, the issue is not a partisan one. In Westport, the ordinance passed with overwhelming support of elected officials from both political parties. Likewise, here in Wilton, both the Democratic and Republican Town leaders were very receptive to the idea.

But buy-in from elected leaders is only the first step in Wilton successfully emulating our neighboring town in this important initiative. Community outreach, to both the citizens of Wilton and local merchants will be critical. Ending the flood of plastic bags that clog our waterways, kill wildlife, and last forever in huge floating islands in our oceans will require that each of us do our part.

Q & A on What the Plastic Bag Ordinance Would Mean for Wilton

As we begin considering this as a community, the DTC would like to share some questions that surfaced at our recent meeting:

1. QWhat about the cost?
   AIn Westport, many merchants sold (for a few dollars) or gave away branded reusable bags as a form of advertising, so we anticipate that costs Wiltonians would be nominal. For retailers, the proposed ordinance would prevent them from giving away plastic bags for free. As Wiltonians begin regularly using the environmentally-friendly bags, merchants would save on their purchases of plastic bags.

2. QAren’t paper bags just environmentally-bad?
   AIn many cases, that is true given the high carbon footprint of converting trees into paper bags. But what the ordinance is proposing is a move from plastic bags to reusable cloth bags.

3. QDoes bringing reusable bags into stores pose health risks?
   AA good question, but it is hard to see that there would be any greater risk of spreading germs from reusable bags than from the clothes we wear and purses and backpacks many folks regularly carry into stores.

4. QHas Westport’s ban been successful?
   AAn adoption study is underway now, but anecdotally, many reusable bags are now widely used in Westport.

What’s on your mind?

Do you have questions about this initiative or ideas on how we might implement it? Selectmen Ted Hoffstatter would love to hear from you via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.