Newtown Approves Single-Use Plastics Resolution

UPDATE (3 April 2023): Newtown Township EAC Releases a Draft Ordinance Banning Single-Use Plastics

UPDATE (6 December 2023): In a 4 to 1 vote on Wednesday night [6 December 2023], the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance that will ban restaurants and businesses in the township from providing single-use carry out plastic bags and Styrofoam food containers to their customers except when required for food safety. The ordinance would also prohibit restaurants and businesses from providing single-use plastic straws and utensils except by request from the customer. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect on April 9, 2024.

At the April 13, 2022, Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) member Elaine McCarron presented data and other information about the impact of single-use plastics on the environment and the health of animals - including humans. Assisting was EAC member Carol Walsh.

Immediately afterward, the supervisors passed a resolution to voluntarily reduce the distribution of single-use plastics.

The resolution states (in part):

"WHEREAS, it is in the public interest of the residents of Newtown Township to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags and plastic straws and polystyrene food containers to protect the public health and natural environment of the surrounding area;

"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors encourages businesses, residents and visitors to voluntarily participate in reducing the distribution of single-use plastic bags, straws and polystyrene containers.

"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors encourages the Newtown Township Environmental Advisory Council and other volunteers to educate and inform Township businesses, residents and visitors about the need for voluntary single-use plastic reduction."

- The Full Text of the Resolution

Dozens of people have responded to my survey and submitted comments.

Background and Resources

• VIDEO: "Supervisor-elect Elen Snyder Promotes Single-Use Plastics Ban"
• SURVEY: Newtown Township's Environmental Advisory Council Asks Local Businesses to Take Its Single-Use Plastics Survey. TAKE THE SURVEY NOW! 

• “More PA Cities and Towns May Now Implement Plastic Bag Bans”
• “Microplastics Are Everywhere. What You/Newtown Can Do About It.”