CARBONEAR, N.L. — The long-awaited announcement for when retail plastic bags would be banned in Newfoundland and Labrador came down on Jan. 29 and two mayors in Conception Bay North say it’s a great move.
Frank Butt, mayor of Carbonear, told SaltWire he sees it as a wholly positive change for the province.
“The only impacts I can see are good ones,” he said. “There won’t be as many bags stuck to trees and stuff during the spring clean-up, for one thing. It’s not just unsightly, it’s bad for the environment.”
Bay Roberts mayor Phillip Wood said he has always supported the ban and said its a positive environmental change but also a symbolic one.
"Everybody sees the plastic bags you get when you go shopping and unfortunately they end up on the streets and its very visible. Statistically, things like plastic water bottles may have a bigger impact but this is a good start," Wood said.
Both Butt and Wood said they understand it may take some time for people to get used to the change but eventually bringing things like reusable bags shopping will become second nature.
“People had trouble getting used to the smoking regulations too when you couldn’t smoke inside anymore,” Butt said. “People got used to it and now it’s just the way it is.”
The move to ban plastic bags will have no financial impact on the towns themselves but could have an impact on some businesses. Wood said he has sympathy for businesses impacted but hopes it won't be too difficult, especially with the ban not coming into effect until July 1 and the long time people have been aware it's coming.
The ban has exceptions for things like plastics used to package fruit, vegetables, candy, grains, nuts, and other loose bulk food items.
The provincial government amended the Environmental Protection Act last April following consultations.
“By banning the use of single-use plastic retail bags, we will all be playing a part in protecting the environment and improving the waste management system," said municipal affairs minster Derrick Bragg in a press release. The minister encouraged anyone distributing or using these bags to use the time between now and July 1 to start new shopping habits and consider potential alternatives to retail plastic bags."
