“Ban the Bag Hold the Foam” Update
Crystal City 23rd & S. Eads Street after it's face lift.
Styrofoam Mom would like to share some important new for those concerned with Arlington’s air, water and green space.
Crystal City 23rd St. & S. Eads a day later.
You may already be among the many people aware of the Bag the Bag Hold the Foam initiative, some of you signed a petition to “Ban Single use plastic bags and Styrofoam from being given out by restaurants and retailers for free in Arlington” and some are hearing this news for the first time. We wanted to provide you with a quick update.( a list of sources that the support the need for this initiative can be found at the end of this post.)
Good news first…
We now have over 300 (I must admit I got about 200) signatures so far on the Bag the Bag Hold the Foam Petition! The Show “Bag the Bag” panel discussion that aired on Arlington Independent Media got the message about the issue to 1000’s of citizens.
The show of support from the community at the County Fair was great. It seemed like even the biggest skeptics that took time to listen and discuss the facts decided that maybe just maybe, they could bring their own shopping bag to the market or find another way to pick up their dogs poop (pay a few pennies) if bags were not given away freely. The plastic bag issue definitely hampers the styrofoam issue. We were surprised by how many individuals had heard the recent release from the US government on the links between Styrene (found in Styrofoam containers) and cancer. Eliminating Styrofoam is a much easier sell and If the two issues were not coupled, I am sure we would have hit 400+ signatures. That said we are glad they are.
The success of the DC tax and the move to a tax on bags in Maryland will keep Virginians from thinking our goal is insurmountable.
We even had politicians signing! We have a long way to go to get to 5000, but if we can gather enough volunteers I think we can get there soon.
Now for the unfortunate news…The group meeting with County Board Member Jay Fisette last week, because it was learned that (ACE) Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment’s position on the ban is unclear. As an organization that commands the attention of our counties most environmentally concerned citizens and boost a great troop of volunteers, many felt feel their support was very important. We can only say at this point their position is “they need to explore the various positions.” But, Styrofoam Mom remains optimistic that we’ll gain consensus as people get back in town over the next couple of weeks. Though much of the information we as a group planned to present to Jay Fisette on Wednesday would be compelling (legally and with documented data) for most environmentalists, to meet with Jay Fisette without a broader coalition would likely hamper our chances for success.
In the meantime a update & petition meeting at the Aurora Hills Library common area on Thursday, September 1st for anyone who would like to continue the petition drive. We will need help getting the word out..
If you cannot make it the gathering, but know a few people who might be interested in joining us for the discussion please forward a link with the details. The group does not plan to meet often and will likely do bi weekly conference calls for anyone who would like stay informed or share ideas. The groups goal at this point is to share opportunities to petition, share related resources and explore ways to get the message out.
StyroFoamMom.com welcomes you to send suggestions for topic discussions and if you feel inspired to write an article on your petitioning experience. For those of you who would like to take a stand there is a section on Styrofoam Mom where you can “Take the Pledge” to not use single use Styrofoam. Each name sends a strong message to restaurant owners. In fact just recently, the Silver Diner in Clarendon stopped using Styrofoam thanks to our urging.
Petition meeting…
Aurora Hills Library
735 S 18th Street, Arlington VA 22202-2799 (minutes from the Crystal City Metro)
Common Area
September 1, 2011
6:30 PM
light refreshments, bring your best cup
To quote Al Gore as he sites an old African proverb.“If you want to go quickly go alone. If you want to go far go together.”
Check out these sites for further information.
Plastic Bags
Styrofoam
http://www.earthresource.org/campaigns/capp/capp-styrofoam.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/10/styrofoam-carcinogens-
formaldehyde_n_875054.html