Philadelphia’s Plastic Bag Ban

Plastic bags. A common focal point for many environmentalists and those who are trying to become more eco-friendly in their day-to-day lives. As many of us know, plastic bags fall under the single-use plastic category. In fact, plastic bags make up over 40% of the planet’s total plastic usage, with about 500 billion plastic bags made annually (“Plastic Pollution Facts”). 

In a previous blog, I discussed the different types of plastic, which included an in-depth look at plastic bags including their recycling capability, material composition, and emission specs. Plastic bags are a significant contributor to global carbon and VOC emissions, which influence global warming as well as other resources such as water and air quality. As a result of the plastic bag industry’s connection to these issues, plastic bag bans have been popping up around the world. 

Following the initiative of several countries, such as New Zealand and Tanzania, and eight other states, Philadelphia’s City Council began to consider the plastic bag ban for Philadelphia. However, it has not been a straightforward process. Due to this, let’s take a quick look at the initiative’s history and progress as well as what this means for those in the area!

History and Progress

In December of 2019, the City Council passed the plastic bag ordinance. The ordinance was originally set to go into effect in April of 2020. However, due to the pandemic, the original ordinance was pushed back until January 1, 2021. This delay was part of an effort to support businesses, especially small businesses, economically to offset the negative effects of the pandemic. 

As January approached, the City Council decided to once again push back the implementation date to July 1, 2021. Yet, this does not mean that there will be an immediate ban starting July 1st. Rather, there is a scheduled rollout for the program over the next year. 

The proposed plan states that the ordinance is put into effect on July 1st and starting July 31st all businesses are required to post signs about the ban. However, businesses are allowed to continue using plastic bags until 2022. 

Following the sign postings scheduled for July 31st, businesses will start to get warnings from the city about plastic bag usage from October until April of 2022. Finally, starting April 1st, the plastic bag ban will be in full effect thus subjecting violators to punishment. 

What to Expect

For Philadelphians, there is certainly a lot of changes coming. Here’s a brief overview of proposed banned items and exemptions.

Banned:

1.  All single-use plastic bags
2. Plastic bags made from PLA (polylactic acid)
3. Paper bags that are made from less than 40% recycled content and don’t meet legislation requirements

Exemptions:

1. Dry cleaner bags
2. Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags (trash bags, “doggie” bags)
3. Bags used by food retailers for contamination/preservation purposes

The plastic bag ban is predicted to affect a variety of businesses including “supermarkets, restaurants, department stores, convenience stores, clothing stores, delivery services, food trucks, and farmers markets” (“Philly delays plastic ban again”). 

What You Can Do

Even if you are not from Philadelphia, you can still participate in this initiative! The easiest way to participate is to start buying and using reusable cloth bags when you go shopping. Several retailers, grocery as well as clothing, are selling reusable bags. However, I have found that handmade cloth bags are typically more durable and you get to pick the pattern. Plus, if you use excess or old fabrics, you are recycling!

You can also start encouraging your family members and friends to do the same! As a reference to my Christmas post, you can always give homemade cloth bags, with some other items as well, as gifts to encourage the switch!

Finally, stay updated with your local area’s policy on plastic bags. As an example, you can look at the Philadelphia bill to compare your area’s bill with. Keep an ear out for any new proposals for plastic bag bans, and, if you can do so/feel inclined, support the proposal! 

Expand Your Horizons

“Updated Timeline for Implementation of Plastic Bag Ban”: https://www.phila.gov/2020-12-30-updated-timeline-for-implementation-of-plastic-bag-ban/

“Philadelphia’s Single Use Plastic Bag Ban”: https://cleanphl.org/plasticbagban/

“Plastic Pollution Facts”: https://plasticoceans.org/the-facts/#:~:text=Plastic%20is%20a%20valuable%20resource,plastic%20bags%20are%20used%20worldwide.

“Philly delays plastic ban again”: https://www.phillyvoice.com/philadelphia-plastic-bag-ban-delay-environment-recycling-trash-covid-19-pandemic/