By Renu Bostwick
I am heartened to see that there is an article in the Annual Town Meeting Warrant proposing the reduction of single-use plastic bags in Bedford. I feel fortunate to live in a town where the Selectmen are forward thinking in this regard rather than waiting on state or federal legislation.
Single-use plastic bags pollute our land and water: Every single day when I walk our dog around Bedford’s paths, fields, and sidewalks, I notice plastic bags caught in the brush and littering the area.
Single-use plastic bags harm wildlife and our environment: The millions of plastic bags that become litter end up as smaller micro-plastic particles but never biodegrade in our lifetime. These pollutants end up in our waterways, are eaten by fish and other wildlife, and enter the food chain.
Single-use plastic bags harm our health: Plastics in the food chain mean plastics end up in people! I certainly don’t want my family to be ingesting these plastics which are known to disrupt people’s hormones. A recent New York Times article points out that it could affect male fertility.
Single-use plastic bags negatively affects our climate: Single-use plastic bags are made from fossil fuels and contribute to increased greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. Our disposable mindset is harming the future of our children who deserve a livable climate.
Reducing single-use plastic bags in Bedford is a wonderful step in the right direction for creating a sustainable and livable world. Let’s all show up on Mar 27th and vote in favor of Article 10 which reduces plastic bags in business establishments in Bedford!
Agreed!