Bristol considering plastic bag ban

BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) – In early January, Barrington implemented a new town ordinance to ban plastic bags from stores and restaurants, and now town council members in Bristol are proposing a similar action.

The ban, which is led by Bristol Town Councilman Timothy Sweeney, would only affect large stores like Stop and Shop on Metacom Avenue.

Sweeny said plastic bags often end up in Bristol waters and they eventually break down into smaller pieces, get consumed by fish, and then get put back into the food chain.

Several Bristol grocery shoppers said they would back the ban.

"Anything that helps the environment we're generally in favor of, and it just doesn't take a lot of effort to bring in your own bags.  We're already doing that anyway, and I think everybody should,” said Nels Johnson.

"Yes, it would help me to remember my bags,  It would encourage me to use them,” said shopper Marie Cardoza.

Many other shoppers feel the choice should be up to them.

Edmond Dupuis has no problem helping the environment, but likes the convenience of plastic bags.

“It's a lot easier to put your groceries in,” he said.

Councilman Sweeney says if passed, it is too early to say when the ban would go into effect.

The next step in the process is a workshop emphasizing the benefits of removing plastic bags which is set for February 20.