It's not in the 'bag' yet

By Carol Meyer

The Cleaner Greener Hingham Committee is proposing a ban on single-use plastic bags.

The overriding message is that while plastic bags are "convenient, recyclable, and part of everyday life," only seven percent of them get recycled while the rest take many years to break down, taking a toll on the environment and on wildlife. 

The ban, if approved, applies to the thin plastic bags available at grocery stores and pharmacies but not produce, newspaper, or dry cleaning bags. Town Meeting would have the final say.

The next Cleaner Greener Hingham informational meeting about this issue will be held Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Whiton Room of the Hingham Public Library, 66 Leavitt St. Stop by to learn more about the proposal, to ask questions, or to air your concerns or support. 

What are your thoughts? Do you think the pros outweight any minuses?