The Telegram and Gazette Letter of the Week: From Fiskdale Resident Velma Franz

The following letter was published in today's Sunday Telegram & Gazette. It was written by Fiskdale resident Velma Franz. It addresses the plastic bag issue in the most pragmatic and responsible approach that I have yet heard or read. The letter was selected by the T&G as their "Letter of the Week" which the T&G policy states that: "Each week, we’ll select a letter to The People’s Forum, on any topic, that we consider particularly interesting and well-written. The writer will receive an engraved rosewood Telegram & Gazette Letter of the Week pen".

Here then is the letter written and submitted by Ms. Velma Franz.

Plastic bag rejection needs some reflection!

LETTER OF THE WEEK

"Sturbridge’s recent rejection of a plastic bag ban in larger stores deserves some reflection. While the basic intent of the proposed bylaw is commendable, many residents found the sledgehammer approach objectionable. There appeared to be little groundwork done by our local boards — some of whom jumped on the bandwagon like Tom Cruise on Oprah’s couch.

An apparent and more deliberate approach would involve: Getting Sturbridge residents involved in providing feedback advice about weighty and consequential issues such as researching the science and ecological effects behind a wholesale shift to alternatives like paper bags; and coordinating with other boards, researching other approaches to control use such as stores charging for plastic bags. This approach works well in Germany where you will see many net and cloth bags. Also, boards should be making clear what the alternatives are and why they are rejected, making it possible to recycle plastic bags at the local transfer station where they are currently not accepted for recycling.

A comprehensive approach would likely result in a successful solution to the plastic bag problem. However, deliberate action is required, instead of a knee-jerk reaction like a total ban.

People want to be listened to and need to buy into something like this. Hitting larger corporations over the head with bylaws is business-unfriendly."

VELMA M. FRANZ

Fiskdale


The letter says it all. Congratulations to Ms. Franz.