Plastic Bag Makers: Long Beach's Bag Ordinance Is Just Bad PolicySACRAMENTO, CA (May 18, 2011)

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Measure Will Fleece Families; Threaten Jobs

SACRAMENTO, CA (May 18, 2011)– The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today addressed the Long Beach City Council’s passage of an ordinance that will ban free, convenient plastic shopping bags and tax paper bags. The following statement can be attributed to Tim Shestek, senior director of State Affairs for the American Chemistry Council. 

“This ordinance unnecessarily raises grocery costs for Long Beach families, puts at risk hundreds of local manufacturing jobs, hurts small businesses, and threatens to derail existing recycling programs. Further, not one penny is earmarked for environmental improvements.

"We believe that promoting recycling is a far more effective way to reduce bag litter and waste, and recycling would not result in higher grocery bills for families or require more government bureaucracy. Plastic bag recycling is widely available in Long Beach and throughout California, and existing state law mandates that stores promote at-store recycling programs for plastic bags and wraps. We’ve suggested programs aimed at increasing the recycling of this valuable material as a comprehensive approach to litter prevention. But, the City of Long Beach has ignored these more consumer friendly options , instead favoring a punitive, bureaucratic and expensive policy approach. 

“Under the ordinance, city staff will spend time and resources overseeing implementation of the program. With ongoing economic pressures and budget reductions to city services, this is not the time to create a ‘bag bureaucracy.’”

The ACC represents the Progressive Bag Affiliates (PBA). The PBA is committed to creating positive change in our communities by promoting the increased recycling of plastic bags as well as their proper use, reuse and disposal. The PBA represents 80% U.S. plastic bag manufacturers. Together with policy makers, businesses and community members, PBA is dedicated to implementing new ideas and improving existing programs that make a difference.

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target="New">Progressive Bag Affiliates (PBA)

News Source : Plastic Bag Makers: Long Beach's Bag Ordinance Is Just Bad PolicySACRAMENTO, CA (May 18, 2011)