Coun. C.J. Rhodes has brought forth a proposal to ban plastic “one-time-use” bags in Osoyoos.
At the May 4 council meeting, Rhodes and his fellow councillors agreed to have the proposal discussed at a future committee of the whole meeting so that council and Town staff can determine how they want to approach the idea.
Rhodes said he wants the ban to also include the “curtailing/banning” of paper products to replace plastic bags.
He added that any bylaw created to address the matter would need to include bags provided at grocery store check-out counters as well as bags made available in stores to package fruits and vegetables.
Rhodes also presented a number of reasons why the Town should consider a plastic bag ban.
He said a ban would help the community reduce its carbon footprint, businesses would have increased retail opportunities with the sale of reusable carry-out bags, the life of the landfill would be extended and the amount of litter in the community would be reduced.
By Paul Everest
Osoyoos Times
