SAUGUS — Beginning March 12, stores town-wide will no longer be allowed to distribute, use, or sell single-use plastic bags at checkout counters.
Instead, the law — enforced by the Board of Health — will require business owners to stock up on reusable totes and bags made of at least 40 percent recycled material, while local environmentalists are encouraging shoppers to convert to bringing their own mode of carrying items.
Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) president Ann Devlin proposed the ban at a town meeting last June and is excited to finally see the result of her efforts take effect next month.
“(SAVE’s) mission has always been to improve the environment through action regarding issues that affect our environment here,” she said. “I believe what we do locally affects the globe.”
Linda Niles is the owner of Lendy’s Deli on Route 1. Her restaurant took the initiative and ditched plastic bags about eight months ago in anticipation of the new law. Even though it costs her business more to supply paper bags instead of plastic, she said she was more than happy to make the switch.
“Anything for the environment,” she said, adding that many of her customers prefer paper bags. “Our customers like it better. They find it easier to package and carry.”
Other store owners are more indifferent. Manager of Little Brook Florist Farm and Garden Center Tony Marks said he’s thought little about the impending ban.
“We’ll figure something out. We’ll probably give (customers) cardboard boxes instead,” he said. “I mean, it’s going to change regardless. Does it really matter?”
Either way, Saugus is in good company. According to the Sierra Club, as of February 2020, 138 Massachusetts towns — around 58 percent of the state — have already enacted regulations regarding single-use plastic bags.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new rules face fines of up to $100 per day.
Although she feels the ban is a step in the right direction, Devlin was careful to note single-use bags of any kind are not ideal.
“It is most important that we not trade plastic for paper since then we will be cutting more trees,” she said. “I envision people making reusable bags their go-to choice.”
Devlin also praised businesses that make a point of asking customers at checkout if they need a bag.
“That, at least, makes people think about their choices,” she said.
As the owner of a business that relies heavily on takeout orders, Niles was more skeptical.
“I don’t see that happening anytime soon (because) with takeout, that’s hard,” she said. “But maybe it’ll have to happen one day if more businesses start charging for bags.”
