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Environmentalist says Suffolk can do better in handling of plastic bags DearEditor: Although I applaud any recycling effort, this law is just another lukewarm measure that does not seriously address the environmental and economic concerns caused by the continued manufacture and use of plastic bags (not to mention the moral/ethical issues as it relates to the global community and our use of petroleum). And, it won't work, because it's preaching to the converted. Those who toss plastic bags and other debris onto our roads and beaches will not stop littering or start recycling because of this law. Recycling is fine, but we simply must learn to reduce waste and consume less. Here are just a few facts about plastic bags and what they cost us: •Americans consume 100 billion plastic shopping bags every year. •380 billion plastic bags are thrown away in America each year. •Plastic bags are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable natural resource. •14 plastic bags contain enough petroleum to drive a car a mile. •Plastic bags are one of the top items of litter in our community. •Each re-usable bag used has the potential to eliminate up to 1,000 plastic bags. •Plastic bags break down into tiny toxic bits that contaminate our soil and water. •Plastic bags can take 1,000 years to break down. •Free plastic bags means higher prices at the store. (Remember: nothing is ever free.) Surely, we can do better than this law. What we need is legislation that clearly demonstrates that those elected to represent us are serious about healing the planet. Why not encourage stores to offer consumers credit when they carry in their own re-usable bags? Patricia Burkhart Board Member Friends of the Edgewood Preserve Deer Park
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