Dispose the plastic ban because that's the actual trash

by Tonieann Harvey

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo embraced a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags and a 5-cent fee on paper bags introducing a bill to outlaw them by March 2020.With customers already having a rage of mixed emotions about the ban.What will business owners do next that will ensure customer satisfaction.

The legislation bans New York stores from using plastic bags, except bags for restaurant orders, deli or meat counter products, bulk items, newspapers, dry cleaner garments and waste management. As plastic bags have polluted sidewalks, landfills and waterways, bans on the bags have become a hotly debated issue. Several New York municipalities have shopping bag laws, following dozen of local governments across the country in adopting bans, fees or both.

Views from a government official

In efforts to reach out to council member I. Daneek Miller he was unfortunately unable to meet in person as he was busy but in a very detailed question and answer email, Brandon Clarke who is the Director of Legislative and Communications Affairs to Councilman Miller responded on his behalf.

When asked if councilman Miller was in favor of the ban Clarke said "Councilman Miller supports the State ban on single-use plastic bags." because they create mounds of non-biodegradable waste that pollute our waterways, compromise our sewer system, and create blight in our community. With retail stores being at risk "Large retailers and chains should have minimal complications with compliance, but it's likely that some small businesses will claim doing so would result in financial hardship." Clarke said.However attempts to seek some measure of relief is not uncommon for waivers to be granted in instances where such a law would pose a legitimate burden to an owner.

Clarke stated "The rules of the ban will need to be issued by the agency responsible for its enforcement." when asked what measures should be taken if the ban is not followed, he also said legislators generally prefer education before punitive action as a matter of principle when it comes to certain health, environmental, consumer, or sanitation related regulations.Clarke said "We must also adopt additional policies that result in less waste in order for this ban to have a demonstrable impact on improving the environmental quality of our community." as he addressed if the ban will decrease pollution.Nonetheless, it's a start.

A customer at a local supermarket in Jamaica Queens stands waiting for his ride to take his groceries home.With the plastic ban underway what are local shoppers to do when they go grocery shopping.Shoppers and businesses will have to find new alternatives that will take the place of plastic bags which has to be more durable and to withhold the weight of heavier items.
photo by Tonieann Harvey

Grocery store reacts

When local small own businesses are going to be most affected manager of a local Junior's Food Outlets Cornel Washington who was on the clock at work with only a few minutes to spare gave small insight into how business would be affected.
His reaction reflects those of many New Yorkers. Washington said "Customers are going to be outraged when asked to pay the fees for bags as well as taxes." The ban of plastic bags might save the store the cost of plastic bags but they would lose profits as customers might bring their own bags. Also customers might cause a traffic flow for shoppers trying to cash their groceries.

Consumer Views

Jason Singh, 28, a resident of Queens was shopping recently at his local supermarket on Saturday on Rockaway Blvd. As he stood at the end of the checkout line paying for his groceries and placing them in plastic bags he was asked about his views on the ban he said "If this bill is passed how are we going to carry our shopping in the near future? it is a disappointment." Sonia who works for a rite aid store in Brooklyn says "Customers will be highly upset".

Further reading

The New York Times goes more into details on the ban and what legislators are saying about the ban and how it will affect consumers and  each county.