Philly debates a 15-cent paper bag fee
It seems like the Philadelphia City Council is taking steps to address single-use plastic and paper bags through legislation that imposes a 15-cent fee per bag. The aim is to encourage residents to switch to reusable bags, reducing waste and environmental impact.
There are differing perspectives on this. Some officials, like Télyse Masaoay from Mayor Kenney’s office, have raised concerns about the potential burden on low-income residents and the impact on small businesses. They suggest revising the legislation to address these equity concerns, possibly by redirecting the fees towards environmental justice initiatives instead of allowing businesses to retain the money.
On the other hand, supporters like Teea Tynes and Aminata Sandra Calhoun emphasize the environmental benefits and argue that the real burden lies in the proliferation of plastic bags, especially in low-income neighborhoods. They believe that implementing these measures can help combat littering and illegal dumping, making communities cleaner and more pleasant.
The data from a city-commissioned study indicates a shift in consumer behavior following the plastic bag ban, with more people using paper bags but still a significant number relying on reusable bags. Advocates like Maurice Sampson from Clean Water Action argue that fees have been effective in modifying consumer behavior and reducing overall bag usage.
It's noteworthy that while Philadelphia was among the early adopters of banning plastic bags in the state, the enforcement began in 2022, delayed due to concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The debate appears to revolve around finding a balance between environmental sustainability, social equity, and the impact on businesses.
