Environment Massachusetts applauds State Senate for passing plastic bag ban

Environment Massachusetts

BOSTON —  The Massachusetts State Senate voted on Wednesday night to ban single-use plastic bags across Massachusetts, a critical step toward protecting our oceans and marine animals from plastic pollution.

Introduced by State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, bill S.2410 passed with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 36-4. The bill must next pass the State House before heading to the governor’s desk. 

Environment Massachusetts ocean associate Michaela Morris issued the following statement in response: 

“It’s time to shift away from single-use plastic, and this vote is an important step forward. Nothing we use for a few minutes should be allowed to pollute our waterways and threaten our wildlife for hundreds of years. 

“Bay Staters are concerned that our birds are starving and whales are washing up on shores because they’re eating plastic instead of food. Banning single-use plastic bags is something we can do today to protect our wildlife from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.

“Towns and cities from coast to coast have banned plastic straws, plastic bags and foam cups. Many restaurants and stores have individually switched to reusable and recyclable packaging options. Already, seven states — California, New York, Oregon, Connecticut, Delaware, Vermont and Maine — have passed statewide bans on single-use plastic bags. We’re eager to have Massachusetts join that list, and we urge the House to take action on the issue.”