Chelmsford Bans Single-Use Plastic Bags

CHELMSFORD, MA — If you don't bring those reusable cloth bags to the grocery store already, get ready. Chelmsford has banned single-use plastic bags, following in the footsteps of towns like Westford, Billerica, Acton and Bedford. The town's legislative branch passed the new bylaw 96-41.

For more than an hour Thursday, Town Meeting members debated the issue, including Jocelyn Demuth who dressed in plastic bags and "trash talk."

She read a poem that began "I am the spirit of single use plastic bags past."

As she ended, to applause, the moderator recognized the poetry.

"Probably the most poetic discussion we've had in Town Meeting," he said.

Several students from Chelmsford High School, including Jenna Ward addressed Town Meeting, as well, acknowledging that not everyone was convinced this was the way to go.

"When considering this topic we should ask our selves if we cannot take that first small step, to protect our friends our families ourselves - our earth - what can we do, or what chance do we have for living in a better tomorrow?"

Businesses have until July 1, next year to transition to not selling the thin plastic checkout bags. The filmy bags that you find your newspaper inside, or the kind used to cover your dry cleaning, or use at the grocery store to place veggies in will still be permitted.

More and more communities across the country are deciding to ban plastic bags. Although they were first created as a way to help save paper, environmentalists have since come to recognize that they often find their way into the oceans and waterways, causing issues for animals.

The point of the ban, say officials, is to reduce litter and provide environmentally friendly options, protect the marine environment and waterways and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The state legislation is also considering banning plastic bags on a larger level.

Watch the back and forth and the vote, thanks to ChelmsfordTV cable access here:

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• Boston's Plastic Bag Ban Begins | Boston, MA Patch
• Time Up For Plastic Bags In MA?
• Westford Plastic Bag Ban to be Discussed Tonight - Patch
• Watch Chelmsford Town Meeting Night 1