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C- Does not show a publication date or revision date, but the author Maura Toomey.
R- This article supports my claim.
A- The publisher is a website dedicated to helping areas getting clean water. The URL ends in .org.
A- No errors.
P- It informs about the condition of our water and persuades you to try and take action.

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This toolkit provides steps and resources to pass a local single-use plastics/Styrofoam ordinance in your town. For more information or assistance, fill out the form below or contact Maura Toomey at mtoomey@cleanwater.org.

Menu:

We dispose of 100 billion plastic bags every year in the U.S., over 4 billion of which are used and disposed of in New Jersey. These bags are a threat to our health and environment, harming marine life, clogging storm drains, and releasing toxins into our air and water when incinerated and landfilled.

Packaging waste (mainly from plastics) accounts for 30% of American household trash and is on the rise. It's polluting the marine environment at a runaway pace - 80% of ocean litter comes from land based sources. If we continue on this trajectory of global plastic production and consumption, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050 (in weight). The estimated 6 trillion pieces of plastic choking our ocean injures and kills fish and wildlife through ingestion and entanglement and bio- accumulate up the food chain, threatening our health.

According to a 2011 Clean Water Action Study, 67% of litter in commercial streets is comprised of single use disposable food and beverage packaging. Clean-up efforts once these materials escape their intended collection systems are not a long term solution, but rather, a short term fix. Plastic pollution in our oceans is also only part of the problem. Even when trash stays within the intended waste stream, it still pollutes our communities and environment. Just because it is "managed" and out of sight does not mean the problem is solved. Landfills and incinerators are hazardous to our health and environment, and to dispose of our waste in these facilities costs our cities and municipalities millions of dollars a year.

Communities near trash incinerators, like Newark, NJ, risk higher exposure to toxins in the air, including dioxin and mercury, and ultra-fine particles that are linked to cancers, asthma, and other health issues. The Newark incinerator burns about half of New York City's solid waste and that of several North Jersey towns. Unless we prevent plastic packaging at the source, or point of generation, it's "management" will continue to be costly and disproportionately impact low income and communities of color where these waste facilities are typically located.

We're up against a powerful plastics industry. Its trade associations (e.g. American Chemical Council) spend millions of dollars a year trying to defeat state legislation and local ordinances to limit use of plastics and foam products, and convince policymakers and public that the answer is to recycle more. Yet National Geographic reported (December 2018) that only 9% of plastics are being recycled.

Solution: Bans and Fees

Education and voluntary actions are great, but not as effective in changing consumer behavior as bans and fees. Over 50 towns in NJ have passed local ordinances to limit single-use plastics. A bill (S864/A1978) has been proposed in the NJ Legislature to ban disposable carry-out bags, Styrofoam food containers, and require that single-use plastic straws are served only upon request. As the bill makes its way through the State Legislature, we need to build support and momentum by ratifying more local ordinances that restrict the use of single-use plastics.

Bans

Beach Haven

Belmar

Bradley Beach

Brigantine

Harvey Cedars

Jersey City

Point Pleasant Beach

Stafford Township

Ridgewood

Hopewell Borough

Saddle Brook

Somers Point

Chatham Township

Trenton

Stockton Borough

Kearny

Fees

Longport - 10 cents on plastic and paper

Teaneck - 5 cents on plastic, also urges state to pass statewide law

Ventnor - 5 cents on plastic

Hybrids and other single-use plastics

Avalon - ban on plastic bags, polystyrene foam, non-compostable food packaging

Lambertville - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws, and polystyrene foam

Long Beach - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Hoboken - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags, ban on polystyrene foam

Monmouth Beach - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws, and polystyrene foam

Stone Harbor - ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic utensils, and polystyrene foam

Little Silver - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws

Glen Rock - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Maplewood - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Highland Park - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Asbury Park - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Leonia - ban on polystyrene foam food service ware

Haworth - ban on plastic bags and polystyrene foam food service ware

Rahway - ban on polystyrene foam food service ware

Bayonne - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws

Ocean Gate - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws, polystyrene foam

Parsippany-Troy Hills - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

South Orange - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Atlantic Highlands - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws, fee on paper bags

Cranford - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws, and polystyrene foam; stirrers, lids, utensils by request only; requires food containers to be No. 1 or No. 2 recyclable plastic

Red Bank - ban on plastic bags and polystyrene foam, disposable food service ware must be recyclable or compostable, and straws may be provided only upon request

Paramus - ban on plastic bags and polystyrene foam food service ware

Secaucus - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Fair Haven - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws, and polystyrene foam

Woodland Park - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Chatham Borough - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Madison - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Garfield - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws

Montclair - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Millburn - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws, and polystyrene foam, fee on paper bags

Sea Bright - ban on plastic bags, single-use plastic straws, plastic utensils, and polystyrene foam, fee on paper bags

Collingswood - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Long Branch - ban on plastic bags, utensils, straws, stirrers, and polystyrene foam

Harrington Park - ban on plastic bags, straws, stirrers, and polystyrene foam, fee on paper bags

West Cape May - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Berkeley Heights - ban on plastic bags, straws, polystyrene foam, fee on paper bags

Morris Township - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Summit - ban on plastic straws and stirrers

Camden County - ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, stirrers, utensils, polystyrene, bottled water in single-serve containers (1 liter or less), and balloons at county facilities and events

Bergen County - ban on polystyrene at county facilities and events

Pending/ Interested

State Legislation Pending

S864/A1978 - Ban on plastics and paper carryout bags and Styrofoam, requires food businesses provide straws on demand.
Other single-use plastics bans:

California - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

New York - ban on plastic bags

Hawaii - plastic bags banned in every county

Vermont - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags, ban on polystyrene foam, straws only on request

Maine - ban plastic bags and polystyrene foam

Maryland - ban on polystyrene foam

Oregon (pending Governor's approval) - ban on plastic bags, fee on paper bags

Delaware - ban on plastic bags

Puerto Rico - ban on plastic bags

Connecticut - phase-out fee and ban on plastic bags by 2021

Ban-Fee Hybrid for Single-use Carryout Bags

These ordinances place a ban on single-use plastic carryout bags and fee on paper bags. Since the ultimate goal of a local bag ordinance is to increase reusable bag use, banning plastic and charging for paper is the most effective to change consumer habits. Both plastic and paper bags are harmful to the environment and use valuable resources (trees, water, energy, etc.) to manufacture and transport. Paper bags are more expensive than plastic bags.

In the "ban" section of a ban-fee hybrid ordinance, clearly define "single-use plastic carryout bag" and "reusable carryout bag" to make sure your ordinance does not include a loophole allowing merchants to give out or sell thicker plastic bags.

In the "fee" section of the ordinance, the fee on paper and reusable bags should be at least 10 cents with no limitation for merchants to charge more. At the local level, the fee must go to merchants to offset the extra costs of paper and reusable bags.

The ban-fee should apply to all stores with no exemptions for small retailers. Since compost facilities are not accessible in NJ, make sure your ordinance does not make allowances for bags labeled "compostable" or "biodegradable".
Sample Ban-Fee Hybrid Ordinance from Hoboken, NJ
Ban on Polystyrene Foam / "Styrofoam" Food Containers

When banning polystyrene foam take-out food and beverage containers, make sure that your ordinance clearly defines environmentally acceptable alternatives. Any replacement products should be locally recyclable and/or create incentives for reusables. Since large scale industrial composting facilities are not readily accessible in New Jersey, alternatives should not include expensive "compostable" products that currently end up in landfills and incinerators.

Restaurant businesses should keep in mind that using fewer disposable packaging products has an additional benefit of cost savings. While some alternatives to Styrofoam food containers are more expensive, Clean Water Action's ReThink Disposable program has several recommendations for waste prevention practices that can help offset the additional costs.
Sample Polystyrene Foam Ordinance from New York City
Ban on Single-use Plastic Straws

Banning single-use plastic straws is another way to eliminate a huge source of plastic. Restaurant businesses wishing to continue serving straws may switch to paper straws. Another option is to pass an ordinance that requires food service businesses to follow a "by request" only policy. Make sure you include provisions for people who need access to serviceable straws for medical reasons or due to a disability.

Disposable-Free Dining Ordinance

Berkeley, California passed the most ambitious local policy on single-use disposables and the first of its kind in the country. This ordinance requires that food consumed on-site be served in reusable, durable tableware, with specific wrappers still allowed and a with a provision for exemptions under certain circumstances. It also requires food businesses to charge for disposable take-away foodware to encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups and containers. The ordinance also requires all disposable foodware to be free of certain toxins, and to be recyclable in the city's recycling program. If composting is available, disposable foodware may also be compostable.
Single-Use Food Serviceware Ordinance from Berkeley
Zero Waste Events Ordinance

Since large events can produce a lot of waste, you also have the option of introducing a policy setting requirements for reuse of food service containers and utensils, waste prevention, and recycling at public events or large venues.
Sample Zero Waste Events Ordinance from San José, see Section 9.10.1445
New Jersey Sanitation Code

The NJ Sanitation Code does not prevent customers from bringing in their own reusable containers for taking home left overs, take out orders, and/or use at self service buffets so long as the container that is brought into the establishment does not go into the food preparation area. There is no liability to the business. Incentives that encourage reusables would save money and the planet.

Plastic Production and Climate Change

Plastics are made from fossil fuels and the increase in cheap plastic packaging is driven by the fracking boom and cheap natural gas in the U.S. The plastics industry predicts a 400% increase in plastic production in the next 30 years.

Many plastics release the greenhouse gases methane and ethylene.

Ocean Pollution

By weight, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.

Straws are one of the top ten marine debris items found in beach cleanups.

There is 100 times more plastic in the ocean today than 10 years ago.

80% of ocean plastic pollution originates on land as street litter, garbage blown out of landfills, or illegally dumped trash.

Polystyrene / Styrofoam

Styrofoam contains the chemical styrene, which has been linked to cancer, vision and hearing loss, and other negative health impacts.

In 1986, the EPA released a report that listed the polystyrene manufacturing process as the fifth largest creator of hazardous waste. Fifty-seven chemical byproducts are released during its manufacturing process, polluting the nearby air, land, water, and communities.

Plastic Bags Waste Taxpayer Dollars

California state government spends roughly $428 million annually to control litter before it reaches state waters. Between 8 and 25 percent of that cost is attributable to plastic bag waste.

Managing the 24 billion bags that end up in landfills costs $25 million dollars each year.

Recycling Plastic Bags And Polystyrene Is Costly And Ineffective

According to the Clean Air Council, recycling one ton of plastic bags costs $4,000 while the recycled product can be sold for only $32.

Shopping bags jam expensive machinery at recycling plants and contaminate the recycling stream, increasing costs.

Only about 20 locations in New Jersey accept polystyrene for drop-off, but most will not accept food containers.

Recyclers make their money by weight. Polystyrene is so lightweight that curbside pickup of polystyrene is not profitable to do and must be clean of all contaminants.

Bans Work

Large stores covered by Los Angeles County's ban on plastic bags reduced overall single use bag usage by 95%, which includes a 30% reduction in paper bag usage.

San Jose reduced plastic bag litter by 89% in the storm drain system, 60% in the creeks and rivers, and 59% in city streets and neighborhoods.

Economic Advantages for Businesses

Food service businesses spend between $0.25 and $0.85 per meal on disposable foodware. Businesses that have participated in ReThink Disposable, Clean Water Fund's voluntary waste prevention program, saved $1,000 to $22,000 annually by minimizing single-use disposables.

Opponents to Plastics Ordinances

Grocery store industry groups may oppose a plastic bag ban unless merchants are allowed to keep fees generated from charging for paper bags.

Oil, gas, and chemical companies and plastics manufacturers oppose plastics ordinances and have spent millions of dollars on lawsuits, lobbying, and campaigning in opposition. Fracked gas is largely used to produce plastics.

New Jersey is home to two Novolex manufacturing facilities, a large plastic bag manufacturer. These facilities will not experience negative impacts of plastics reduction ordinances, as some of their representatives have argued, since these locations only manufacture can liners and paper bags, which will not be significantly affected by these kinds of ordinances.

Create a Team

Building strength in numbers is important to gaining traction and support for your local ordinance. Talk to individuals, students and civic groups in your community. Invite them to join your cause.

Once you have a team working together, determine the goals and focus of your ordinance.

Meet regularly. Develop communication system (emails, facebook, phone tree, meetings, conference calls, skype). Keep everyone involved throughout process.

Engage Environmental Commission or Green Team. Earn Sustainable Jersey points.

Educate Yourself

Study examples of successful single-use plastics/foam ordinances and basic facts that support your goals.

Talk to others who are working on or have already passed ordinances.

Reach out to retailers and business leaders with environmental values that are likely to support the ordinance.

Become familiar with your local government bodies and how they work (town council, environmental commission and green team).

Determine which government body and members of each can serve as an ally in getting the ordinance passed with the town council having the final vote.

Write up a draft or modify an existing ordinance.

Host a community forum and fun events to educate others and get their feedback. Include residents, school groups, local businesses, and business associations.

Campaign to Win

Be visible through community presentations, letters to the editor, tabling events, traditional news outlets, facebook live and other social media.

Generate supportive public statements from leaders in the community, business owners, and officials.

Consider launching a petition drive to demonstrate broad support of the ordinance.

Meet one on one with elected officials one on one, seek their support and address their questions.

Ask a sympathetic city official to sponsor your ordinance. Get their suggestions on content and process.

Regularly attend town council meetings and speak up at the public comment portion.

Get the ordinance on the agenda. Organize a large turnout for the meeting and prepare a number of people to make a short statement in support of the ordinance. Present petitions/letters if you have any.

Invite the media to attend all appropriate events, hearings, etc.

Ensure Successful Implementation

Once your ordinance has passed, make sure steps are taken to ensure implementation and enforcement. This requires ongoing monitoring, publicizing successes, educating public and businesses, as well as trouble shooting as needed.

Share your success and lessons learned with others. Encourage people you know in others towns to pass a similar ordinance.

To Retailers

Dear _______,

As one of _______________'s customers, I am writing to ask you to change your store policies regarding single-use plastic bags, (Styrofoam and straws if applicable) and discontinue the use of disposable plastic bags and charge for paper bags. I am working with Clean Water Action to urge our municipal government for a local ordinance to reduce plastic bags. I hope we have your support.

Waste and litter from single-use plastics and other disposable products are creating an environmental crisis. We dispose of 100 billion plastic bags every year in the U.S., over 4 billion of which are used and disposed of in New Jersey. These bags are a threat to our health and environment, clogging storm drains, and releasing toxins into our air and water when incinerated and landfilled. Consumption of disposable plastics is causing irreparable damage to our marine life and oceans. Plastic pieces on the ocean surface now outnumber sea life 6 to 1. By 2050, there will be more plastics (by weight) than fish.

We need to prevent waste from being generated in the first place. Nearly 20 NJ towns as well as cities, states and countries (India, Canada, UK) around the world have already done so through ordinance or legislation. Reducing plastic bags (Styrofoam and straws if applicable) helps the environment but also saves retailers and consumers money. Go to www.rethinkdisposable.org for business testimonials and case studies. Review the enclosed cost saving sheet. I hope you will support and join our efforts in town. I will follow up in about a week to see if you would like to sign on as a community green business leader. Thank you for your time, I am looking forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

Name, address, email, phone

To Elected Officials

Dear ___________,

As a concerned resident and constituent of yours, I am writing to ask you to introduce a local ordinance to ban carryout plastic bags and put a fee on carryout paper bags. Over 50 NJ towns as well as cities, states and countries (India, Canada, UK) around the world have already done so we are already seeing a reduction in plastic use.

Waste and litter from single-use plastics and other disposable products are creating an environmental crisis. We dispose of 100 billion plastic bags every year in the U.S., over 4 billion of which are used and disposed of in New Jersey. These bags are a threat to our health and environment, clogging storm drains, and releasing toxins into our air and water when incinerated and landfilled. Consumption of disposable plastics is causing irreparable damage to our marine life and oceans. Plastic pieces on the ocean surface now outnumber sea life 6 to 1. By 2050, there will be more plastics by weight than fish.

Reducing plastic bags helps the environment, but also saves retailers and consumers money. I hope you will support and join our efforts in town. Please consider sponsoring an ordinance in town for a bag ban. Thank you for your time, I'm looking forward to your response and would be happy to meet to answer any questions.

Sincerely,

Name, address, email, phone

Take Action

Over 500 NJ towns have passed local ordinances to limit single-use plastics. While a bill (S864/A1978) has been proposed in the NJ Legislature to ban single-use carry-out bags and styrofoam containers, and limit single-use plastic straws, it is not guaranteed to pass.

We need to build support and momentum by ratifying more local ordinances that restrict single-use plastics.
Click here to contact your local government to ask them to introduce and pass a local plastics ordinance in your town!
Please fill out the form below and we will follow up shortly!

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Plastics & Single-Use Foodware Ordinance - Activist Toolkit

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This toolkit provides steps and resources to pass a local single-use plastics/Styrofoam ordinance in your town. For more information or assistance, fill out the form below or contact Maura Toomey at mtoomey@cleanwater.org. We dispose of 100 billion plastic bags every year in the U.S., over 4 billion of which are used and disposed of in New Jersey.

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C-  Article published in April 17, 2019 and no revision date
R- This article goes against my claim and provides an alternate solution.
A-  Published by National Geography, partnered with National Geography Society. The author is Laura Parker.
A- No Errors
P- To persuade the reader that plastic bag bans are not the solution,

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Plastic bag bans are spreading. But are they truly effective?

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Kenya has the strictest penalties for bag use, but the consumer alternatives to plastic have come with growing pains.

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C- Published January 24th, 2020. No revision date.
R- Supports my claim, gives information on what kinds of bans are put in place, where and when.
A- Domain ends with .org.
A- No errors
P- To inform about plastic ban laws.

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State legislatures have considered a number of measures to reduce the prevalence of plastic bags at grocery stores and other businesses.

Reducing bag use can mitigate harmful impacts to oceans, rivers, lakes, forests and the wildlife that inhabit them. It can also relieve pressure on landfills and waste management.

While some states are focusing on implementing effective recycling programs, others are imposing bans or fees to discourage the use of plastic bags altogether.

Bans and Fees

Eight states-California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon and Vermont-have banned single-use plastic bags.

In August 2014, California became the first state to enact legislation imposing a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at large retail stores. The bill also required a 10-cent minimum charge for recycled paper bags, reusable plastic bags, and compostable bags at certain locations. The ban was set to take effect on July 1, 2015, but a referendum forced the issue onto the ballot in the November 2016 election. Proposition 67 passed with 52 percent of the vote, meaning the plastic bag ban approved by the Legislature remains the law. A detailed summary of the law can be found below. Voters also rejected a second measure, Proposition 65, which proposed to create an environmental fund with proceeds from a 10-cent charge for alternative bags.

Hawaii has a de facto statewide ban as all of its most populous counties prohibit non-biodegradable plastic bags at checkout, as well as paper bags containing less than 40 percent recycled material. Bans in Kauai, Maui and Hawaii counties took effect between 2011 and 2013, with Honolulu becoming the last major county to approve the ban in 2015.

New York became the third state to ban plastic bags in 2019 with passage of Senate Bill 1508. The law, which goes into effect March 2020, will apply to most single-use plastic bags provided by grocery stores and other retailers. Bags distributed at the meat/deli counter and bulk food area are exempt, as well as newspaper bags, trash bags, garment bags, bags provided by a pharmacy for prescription drugs, and restaurant takeout bags. The law allows individual counties the option of placing a 5-cent fee on paper bags, with 2 cents going to local governments and 3 cents to the state's Environmental Protection Fund.

Five other states enacted legislation in 2019-Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Oregon and Vermont. In addition to plastic bags, Vermont's SB 113 also placed restrictions on single-use straws and polystrene containers.

In 2009, the District of Columbia enacted legislation requiring all businesses that sell food or alcohol to charge 5 cents for each carryout paper or plastic bag.

Recycling Programs

States have a long history of pursuing legislation related to labeling, recycling, and reusing plastic bags. In 1991, Maine became the first state to enact legislation requiring recycling efforts at retail stores. The law prevents retailers from supplying plastic bags unless they provide a convenient storefront receptacle to ensure used bags are collected and recycled. Since then at least four other states-California, Delaware, New York and Rhode Island-and the District of Columbia have followed suit.

Legislation Summary

State lawmakers have introduced at least 95 bills in 2019 related to plastic bags. Most of these bills would ban or place a fee on plastic bags. Others would preempt local government action or improve bag recycling programs.

2011 CA S 567

Enacted

Prohibits the sale of plastic products labeled as compostable, home compostable, or marine-degradable unless it meets standard specifications. It provides for a civil penalty for a violation.

2019 HB 130

Enacted

Expands upon the existing at-store recycling program regarding the use of single-use plastic bags and limits stores subject to the program from providing single-use plastic bags for only specific uses.

2019 HB 1115

Enacted

Prohibits a retail establishment from providing single-use carryout bags at the point of sale or otherwise making the bags available to customers, with exemptions for certain types and uses of plastic and paper bags.

2017 HB 56

Enacted

Repeals the eight-year ban on the use of plastic bags by retailers on the Outer Banks.

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State legislatures have considered a number of measures to reduce the prevalence of plastic bags at grocery stores and other businesses.

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C- Published November 20th, 2019.
R- Goes with my statement, it gives an example of group fighting against plastic.
A- Published by a Turtle Island Restoration Network.
A- No errors.
P- To inform about plastic bag ban groups.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 20, 2019

Contacts:
Joanie Steinhaus, 512-417-7741, joanie@seaturtles.org
Jeff Seinsheimer, 409-771-9522, chair@glaveston.surfrider.org

Environmental Groups Renew Push for Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban in Galveston

GALVESTON-Turtle Island Restoration Network and the Galveston Chapter of Surfrider Foundation unveiled new signs today for Galveston's Bring the Bag campaign. The program aims to eliminate waste from single-use plastic bags in Galveston, despite a ruling by the Texas Supreme Court in 2018 that declared it a violation of state law for local governments to impose bans on plastic bags.

The signs, located at Randalls on Central City Boulevard in Galveston, showcase the Bring the Bag campaign and remind customers to bring their reusable bags when grocery shopping to reduce single-use plastic bags in the environment. The groups are hoping to install the signs in other places around town.

"As home to five out of seven species of sea turtle, including the world's most endangered sea turtle, Texas should be leading the fight towards banning single-use plastic bags-not avoiding it," said Joanie Steinhaus, program director at Turtle Island Restoration Network. "We need to be the voice for sea turtles, whales, and other sea life that can't speak for themselves and are dying at the hands of human-produced plastic."

"Single use plastic bags have become modern day tumbleweeds. They float easily in the air and water, traveling long distances, never fully breaking down. In addition to harming wildlife and the environment, they too often become unsightly litter all over our beautiful island," said Jeff Seinsheimer, chairman of the Galveston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

Between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year, and these bags are used for an average of 12 minutes. With Galveston's close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Bay and West Bay, there is a strong possibility for single-use bags to enter a waterway, harming and killing marine life like sea turtles that often confuse plastic bags for food.

To help the City of Galveston work towards the reduction and elimination of single-use plastic bags in order to create a safer, healthier, and cleaner environment, Turtle Island Restoration Network and the Galveston Chapter of Surfrider Foundation created the Bring the Bag initiative. Galveston residents can participate in Bring the Bag and help keep our oceans clean by remembering to use reusable grocery bags when they shop.

At the urging of local environmental groups, the City of Galveston was considering joining 13 Texas cities in banning single-use plastic bags when a Texas Supreme Court decision overturned a municipal ban on single-use plastic bags, declaring it a violation of state law for local governments to impose bans on plastic bags. While there is no national plastic bag fee or ban currently in effect in the United States, eight states-California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, New York, Oregon and Vermont-have banned single-use plastic bags.
Turtle Island Restoration Network is a global nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and mobilize people around the world to protect marine biodiversity and the oceans that sustain all life on Earth. Learn more at The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Learn more at www.galvestonsurfrider.com. www.seaturtles.org.

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Environmental Groups Renew Push for Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban in Galveston | Turtle Island Restoration Network

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 20, 2019 Contacts: Joanie Steinhaus, 512-417-7741, joanie@seaturtles.org Jeff Seinsheimer, 409-771-9522, chair@glaveston.surfrider.org GALVESTON-Turtle Island Restoration Network and the Galveston Chapter of Surfrider Foundation unveiled new signs today for Galveston's Bring the Bag campaign.

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C- Does not say publication or revision date.
R- Relates to my claim.
A- The publisher site promotes saving energy
A- No errors.
P- To persuade others to try and promote plastic bag bans.

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C- Doesn't say revision or publication date.
R- Supports my claim.
A- The publisher site ends in co.uk.
A- No errors.
P- To teach others what happens to plastic bottles.

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Image #2 - Turtle Trapped in Plastic Net

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Image #2 - Turtle Trapped in Plastic Net

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C- Published June 6th, 2018 but it doesn't say when it was revised.
R- Supports my claim.
A- Published by National Geography.
A- No errors.
P- To inform the viewer about how plastic effects marine life.

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Image #3 - Swept Away Plastic Threatening Our Environment

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Image #3 - Swept Away Plastic Threatening Our Environment

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C- Published July 7th
R- Supports my claim.
A- Published by mwatoday.com
A- No errors
P- To inform the viewer about how plastic affects our environment.

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Image #4 - Baby Monkey Trapped in Plastic Bag

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Image #4 - Baby Monkey Trapped in Plastic Bag

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C- Published January 13th, 2012 with no revision date.
R- Relates to my claim.
A- Published by n.i.uol.com/br
A-  No errors
P- To persuade others to be more mindful about littering.

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C- Published July 2014 with no revision date.
R- It supports my claim.
A- Published by Inhabitant.com
A- No errors
P- To persuade others to reuse and recycle plastic.

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C- Published on September 2nd, 2016 and no revisions.
R- Supports my claim.
A- Published by Now or Never Media on YouTube.
A- No errors.
P- To inform others on how plastic ends up in our oceans.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Plastic Pollution: The Plastic Bag Impact

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C- Published June 16th, 2018 with no revision date.
R- Relates to my claim.
A- Published on YouTube by Global News (1.2 Million Subscribers)
A- No errors.
P- To inform others on how plastic ends up in the ocean.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Plastic pollution crisis: How waste ends up in our oceans