New Effort To Ban Plastic Bags At Philadelphia Grocery Stores
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Under the heading of 'if at first you don't succeed' comes word that the founders of a blog devoted to Philadelphia environmental causes are reviving an effort to ban grocery store plastic bags in the city.
First in 2007, then again in 2009, Philadelphia City Council debated whether to prohibit grocery store chains from using plastic bags that often end up as litter on the street.
Both times, the effort failed in the face of intense opposition from some stores and the petrochemical industry.
Now, the founders of the site Green Philly Blog are reviving the idea with a grass-roots campaign.
"Grocery store chains were the main reason that the bill was not passed in 2009," one of the founders, Julie Hancher, said. "So I think it's getting the support of the people, the citizens of Philadelphia, behind the ban getting that message to City Council and having everyone on the same page."
The bag ban effort includes an online petition that can be found at greenphillyblog.com, to be forwarded to the mayor and City Council members.
Hancher says despite lobbying by the industry, the ban could happen if enough citizens speak out.
"Every individual can make a difference," she said.
In May, Los Angeles became the largest US city to ban plastic bags.
