In America, we have a “stuff” problem. Our economy encourages us to make, use, and toss at the greatest possible speed, which results in using and disposing of  millions of plastic grocery bags,foam cups, and plastic straws EVERY DAY. Here in Connecticut it is estimated that one billion plastic shopping bags  are used in this state every year – many of which end up being incinerated, littering the landscape or floating in Long Island Sound.

A concrete step we can take towards a long-term solution of zero waste is to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastic products, including bags, straws, and foam containers.

These single-use products, which are only used for an average of 12 minutes but will sit in landfills for up to a millennium, represent the most absurd and preventable source of plastic waste. Cities, states, and countries all over the world have already either imposed bans or purchasing fees on plastic bags, straws, and EPS products, which have proven to be effective in reducing waste. CT should be the next state to ban plastic bags statewide!