by Lael K. Goodman
On March 1, 2020, New York State will prohibit retailers from distributing plastic carryout bags. To help the neighborhood prepare for this upcoming change, North Brooklyn Neighbors (NBN) is partnering with local businesses, politicians, and schools to collect underused reusable bags. Donated bags will be distributed to help ensure that neighborhood residents have the resources they need to navigate the ban.
For more than a decade, I’ve tried – admittedly not always 100% successfully – to bring my own bags to go shopping. I have found that not only do my bags last for years but that I’ve collected many more bags than I could use. And I’m willing to bet that there are many others out there who have at least a couple of reusable bags that they never use.
Why not donate these bags to help neighbors who are used to the availability of plastic carryout bags? Instead of creating demand for a new product, let’s share the resources we have!
Residents can donate clean, new or gently used bags at several drop-off locations throughout the month of January. Participating locations include the Office of Assemblyman Joe Lentol, Investors Bank, Dandelion Wine, Dandy Wine & Spirits, Dime Bank, and Broadway Stages (see map for specific locations). The parent associations at Brooklyn Arbor, PS 110 The Monitor School and PS 31 Stephen F. Dupont School are also collecting donations. Contact [email protected] if you’re interested in becoming a donation site.
If you want to help to raise awareness about the ban and participate in bag distribution events, please complete this interest form.
The ban does have exceptions, plastic bags will not be totally disappearing from our lives. However, what this ban does mean is that we will hopefully be seeing fewer bags stuck in trees, blocking sewer grates, or floating in the wind. And that is a very good thing.
