Considering a Plastic Bag Ban in Cranston

To the Editor,

Beginning in 2013, the state of Rhode Island has been slowly banning plastic bag use. The town of Barrington was the first in Rhode Island to enact a ban of plastic bags. Six towns in Rhode Island soon followed: Newport, Middletown, Jamestown, Block island, Portsmouth, and Bristol. As a citizen of Cranston, I believe we should follow suit. Being the 3rd largest city in the state, banning plastic bags would have a massive impact on the health of our community and our future environment.

The concern of plastic waste in our oceans, environment, and landfills pose a significant risk to the citizens of Cranston and Rhode Island as a whole. Most people have heard that our landfill is the highest point in the state. In all actuality, it is 550 feet tall, only 262 feet away from the tallest point, Jerimoth Hill. The plastic bags leak toxic chemicals into the ground while decomposing and these chemicals escape into the air. Plastic bags are also detrimental to the health of our oceans and beaches because even if they are removed, they tend to leave micro-plastics which can be impossible extract.

I am currently attending Smith College in the city of Northampton, MA. In this city, they have banned the use of plastic bags. Although it was not easy, they began this ban in small shops and have since then moved on to large grocery and supply chain stores. Instead people use paper bags or bring their own reusable shopping bags. I think small changes like this are manageable and are great first step to getting our community on board. As a citizen of the city of Cranston, I believe that the city council should enact similar changes regarding this plastic bag ban because it would lead to cleaner streets, oceans, and our environment.

Sincerely,

Jody