News

An Inside Look at the World’s Largest “Bag-2-Bag” Recycling Facility

April 6, 2011Earth and Industry

Before they came for our light bulbs, they targeted our plastic bags. And they’re still after them. It all began in 2002, when Ireland enacted a plastic-bag tax for the clearly stated purpose of lowering the amount of litter in the country. The fact that it would also raise tax revenue was an added bonus.

More »

Bag the Plastic Ban

March 28, 2011National Review

Before they came for our light bulbs, they targeted our plastic bags. And they’re still after them. It all began in 2002, when Ireland enacted a plastic-bag tax for the clearly stated purpose of lowering the amount of litter in the country. The fact that it would also raise tax revenue was an added bonus.

More »

Senator Pugh: Plastic Bag Tax Is Not the Solution

March 28, 2011Center Maryland

Some members of the Maryland General Assembly think a 5 cent tax on every paper and plastic bag sold will eliminate their use while “beautifying the Bay.” While I whole heartedly support efforts to clean up the bay, this tax troubles me deeply.

More »

Plastic bag manufacturing employees: Who’s representing us?

March 23, 2011Center Maryland

We’re in the throes of another end to a legislative session. Unfortunately, an end to unemployment or this stagnant economy is not as near in sight. I’m not a person to normally engage in politics. I’m simply a local plant manager for Advance Polybag, Inc., a grocery bag manufacturer in Elkridge. I’m also a resident of Maryland.

More »

A nickel-and-dime distraction from Montgomery’s real problems

March 17, 2011Washington Post

If I believed taxing carryout bags in Montgomery County would improve local water quality and protect our waterways, I would be the first to sign on. But the five-cent tax on both paper and plastic bags proposed by County Executive Ike Leggett won’t save the Chesapeake Bay.

More »

Plastic bag proposal canned: Bill would have charged 5 cents per bag at Conn. grocery stores

February 19, 2011Middletown Press

A bill aimed at discouraging the use of plastic grocery bags has been bagged. “I don’t think I have been associated with a bill that has generated as much opposition as this one,” state Sen. Edward Meyer, co-chairman of the Environment Committee, said Friday. The proposal was to charge a nickel for each plastic bag in order to encourage consumers to bring reusable bags to retail establishments.

More »

Beyond the bag controversy: Recycle, re-use, rethink

February 16, 2011Oregonian

The current controversy over paper vs. plastic bags at the checkout stand offers a curious set of comparisons, and it puts a company such as ours in the middle of the sustainability debate.

More »

Greene Says No To Plastic Bag Tax

February 9, 2011New Haven Independent

During an Environment Committee public hearing Wednesday Representative Len Greene (R-105) said he opposes adding another new tax on hard-working residents only trying to bring food home to their families.

More »

Reusable grocery bags can be dangerous

February 8, 2011Baltimore Sun

While Maryland state lawmakers consider instituting a five-cent fee on plastic bags, you should consider this: Those polypropylene bags that will replace them are likely to bring dangerous bacteria like E. coli in contact with your food.

More »

Bag the bag fee bill, says retailers group

February 3, 2011The Gazette

A proposal to charge consumers for plastic bags at grocery stores will hurt retailers, says Patrick Donoho, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. On Thursday, there will be a panel discussion on the proposal coordinated by the environmental group Trash Free Maryland Alliance in the House Office Building.

More »