Are you old enough to remember the scene in the film “The Graduate” where Mr. McGuire gives a young Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) advice about plastics?
“This type of rule should apply state-wide, not just in Newton,” they wrote in a letter to Rep. Ruth Balser. “If the bill doesn’t apply to all businesses, customers will leave Newton to go to cheaper stores and restaurants [in neighboring communities].
“Not implementing this ban would harm local businesses in Newton, while a state-wide ban would make an even playing field for all businesses,” they added.
A second group of Brown students wrote to Sen. Cindy Creem:
“We have a different solution to the plastic ban to propose to you: In response to the harsh environmental impact caused by plastic, we believe Massachusetts should establish a state-wide bottle deposit for single-use plastic bottles.”
The letters to lawmakers came out of an 8th grade civics program which encourages students to engage with local government and community organizations about a problem or concern. This year some classes at Brown were interested in the studying the council’s plastic waste ordinance, according to social studies teacher Sam McGraw.
Turns out, these kids are onto something
Massachusetts' 41-year-old bottle bill does not apply to non carbonated beverage containers such as sport drinks, ice teas, fruit juices and, yes, water -- all drink options that have gained popularity over the decades and far too often end up as litter on our streets, parks and in our favorite river.
But a report last year found that Massachusetts could cut down on plastic litter, create less garbage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save cities and towns millions of dollars annually by expanding the bill and modernizing the way it recycles beverage containers, according to WBUR’s Miriam Wasseer.
The Brown students actually have an ally in Creem who has been championing expanding the bill for years to include non carbonated beverages and to also double the deposit from five to ten cents.
“I agree with the students, which is why I’m the lead Senate sponsor of An Act to expand the Bottle Bill,” she wrote in an email, adding that she has invited them to testify with her on June 28 when hearings are scheduled.
Fuller has concerns about proposed bottle ban
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller told me yesterday that she was also supportive of the students’ suggestion and said she’d be happy to testify on Beacon Hill too. (Balser tells me she supports the bill as well.)
Fuller added that she was “concerned” about the city council’s proposal to ban the sale and distribution of plastic water bottles (and boxes) in Newton, in part, because it could lead consumers to choose less healthy drink options.
The plastic ban ordinance before the city council, also includes bans on certain categories of takeout containers, helium balloons and plastic floss sticks, among other restrictions. The proposal is still in draft form. One possible revised version that may go before the Programs & Services Committee drops the bottle ban.
“It's clear that banning plastics is a good idea, but the economic impact on smaller businesses is too high,” the 8th graders wrote. “The ban is a good idea, but the execution needs work. Please consider exploring ways to alter the ban so that small businesses won’t be harmed.”
