September 21, 2020
VICTORY! Cincinnati City Council passed an Ordinance to Regulate Plastic and Paper Bags with a 7-1 vote!
There are many, many people and organizations who have worked for the last 8 years that helped get this ordinance passed. Thanks to the persistance and hard work of Marie Kocoshis, Jeanne Nightingale, Sally Dannemiller, Pete Cosco, Bob Gedert, Kevin Hengehold, Rich Jordan, Mary Aguilera, Peggy Berry, Anne Schoelwer, Deborah Jordan, Bill Cahalan, Jas Schenk, Janet Miller, Randi Pokladnik, Nathan Alley, Nicole Edwards, Cheryl Johncox, Cincinnati Past Plastic, League of Women Voters, The Women's Club, and many, many more. We also want to note Council President Seelbach and his staff for being environmental champions of this legislation.Numerous Cincinnati Council Members spoke very highly of the Sierra Club, Cincinnati Past Plastic, Marie Kocoshis, and Jeanne Nightingale for being a persistent force in getting this passed. It was great to hear so many decision makers speak about the environment, climate change, and the need for immediate action. Highlighted below are a few quotes from the Council meeting below.
I want to recognize the Sierra Club, we have one of the most dynamic, engaged, results-based Sierra Club's in the country. Obviously, that is one of the reasons why we are here- it is because of how well organized, smart, and hard working the chapter is, so I want to recognize our Sierra Club. -Council Member Landsman
Human beings are the only animals on this planet with the capability to destroy it for everyone else. We have seen this with our water....We have problems with our air quality, that was not always the case. Human beings have found a way to pollute the air in such a way that we need to regulate emissions.....The bottom line for me is very simple, this Earth is speaking to us, it is not a whisper it is a yell. If we don't pay attention...the Earth will cease to exist. It is steps like these that get people thinking about what else can be done...to secure the earth for all those that come behind us. This is far reaching legislation, I think it is wise legislation, it is worthy of support, and those who have to sacrifice to make it work- it is worthy of that sacrifice. -Council Member Young
Basics of the bag ordinance:
The ordinance goes into effect January 1, 2021 at which time single use plastic and paper bags will not be allowed to be used in grocery stores. For the first six months individuals who shop without reusable bags will receive a reusable bag or 'recycled content paper bag' free of charge. Recycled content paper bag is 'a paper bag that is 100% recyclable and contains a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled material'. Beginning July 1, 2021 individuals without their own reusable bags must pay a minimum of five cents for each bag, which must be a reusable bag or recycled content paper bag. Individuals receiving SNAP and/or WIC and/or using EBT cards for food supplement will be exempt from the bag fee.
You can watch the motion in council here. Facebook streaming begins at minute 33:30. Link to the latest news article.
Marie 'Pinky' Kocoshis and Jeanne Nightingale who testified during the EIG Committee!
You can watch the committee hearing: https://archive.org/details/32200909-eig Jeane's testimony starts at 23:30 and Pinky's testimony starts at 25:30.
Take Action NOW! Don’t let the plastic industry exploit COVID-19 in efforts to continue polluting the planet. House Bill 242 would prevent the authority of local governments to govern and protect their communities. Over the last six months Ohioans have largely been occupied with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than focusing on solutions to these two major crises, the Senate has inappropriately passed HB 242 with an amendment. If HB 242 passes the House and reaches the desk of Governor DeWine, he must VETO to protect local democracy! Take Action NOW!
GET INVOLVED! Attend the Cincinatti Past Plastic or the statewide Past Plastic call to learn more about how we are working to move Ohio past plastic!