The Asbury Park Press ran a story earlier this week talking about how Red Bank’s Mayor Pasquale “Pat” Menna and Councilman Michael R. DuPont are waging a war against plastic bags in their city. Originally, they wanted to outlaw the use of the bags and distribute $100 to $500 fines for any retailer caught using them. Since that resolution didn’t pass the city council, they are now seeking to create a “green” designation for those city retailers who are environmentally friendly. A piece of the article:
Menna said he hopes to name two borough schoolchildren — one from the local public school system and one from the Red Bank Charter School — to a committee to be formed in January. Menna has asked the top school administrator for each for help nominating students.
“I’ll ask for an advisory panel to designate which stores are using the cutting edge of green initiatives,” Menna said. “Kids are on the cutting edge of environmentalism, they can teach us about being stewards of the environment.”
Menna had proposed a “green” designation for local businesses as an alternative to various suggestions about banning plastic bags. “Green” is the popular adjective for people, businesses and other entities that are sensitive to environmental concerns or which promote environmentalism.
I’m not exactly sure what the end game is for the Mayor and Councilman, but I’m glad to see that they are bringing schoolchildren into the legislative process (and especially a child from the Red Bank Charter School).
While banning their use is certainly one way to curb the abundance of plastic bags out there, I think people should be introduced to new forms of eco-friendly shopping gear. I have these “Green Bags” that I bought at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and they’re great! Plus, you can buy reusable canvas bags
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