Over the past months, there have been several discussions among residents, elected officials and City Hall staff on the best way to bring forward a policy that would limit and eventually eliminate usage of plastic shopping bags.
As our desert landscape is one of our most precious natural resources, it is sometimes marred by plastic bags blown into trees, cacti and shrubs whenever seasonal winds blow into town. Since the bags are not biodegradable, they remain as unsightly ornaments until they are removed by stronger winds or by the hands of volunteers looking to clean up the mess.
In a few other cities in the U.S., local governments have sought to curb the standard issuance of plastic shopping bags at convenient stores, grocery shops and other retail outlets. Some plans call for the complete elimination of plastic bags at these stores while other municipalities have sought to discourage their use by offering economical yet environmentally friendly options, such as recyclable paper bags or low-cost canvas bags.
El Paso City Council is continuing to study the issue and will again reconsider the item in the coming months.
There are ways to both make shopping convenient for consumers and still help to keep serene beauty of the El Paso desert environment, and with as much input as possible from Sun City residents and consumers just like you, our city’s government will be able to make the best possible decision.
Environmental Services welcomes the public’s input and ideas on a plastic bag ban. They will be incorporated into proposals that Environmental Services will present to City Council early next year.
The meetings are all scheduled for 6 p.m. The meeting dates and locations are:
• Aug. 18:
• Aug. 19:
• Aug. 25: Richard Burges Library,
• Aug. 26:
• Aug. 27:
• Sept. 2:
• Sept. 3:
• Sept. 9:
For more information the public may call (915) 621-6754.
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