October 7, 2008 Paul E. Santos, Chairman Susan Merrifield, Director of Health Plymouth Health Department 11 Lincoln Street Plymouth, MA 02360 Dear Chairman Santos & Director Merrifield: The Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) is a statewide trade association of over 3,000 retail and restaurant member companies. Our membership ranges from independent “mom and pop” retailers and restaurants to larger, national chains. The retail industry's contributions to the Commonwealth include over $108 billion in annual sales; $5.9 billion in annual sales and use taxes; 17.5% of Massachusetts jobs; and operation in over 38,000 locations across the state. RAM is the voice of the retail industry on state legislative and regulatory matters. On behalf of the membership of RAM, I thank you for the opportunity to address the issue before you with regard to the proposed ban of plastic bags in the Town of Plymouth. As a statewide association we do not often weigh in on local matters, however, given the large number of RAM members located in the Town of Plymouth and the importance of this issue to the entire retailing community, we did want to provide some comments for you to weigh as you take up this discussion. As you know, retailers are important members of the community, striving to be good neighbors, participating in community events, sponsoring youth sports teams and employing thousands of Plymouth residents. Retailers exist to serve their customers by providing quality service and consumer choice at a good value. The customer is always right. Those same tenets of quality service and choice can be applied to the issue of plastic bags. Many retailers now provide their customers with a choice at checkout of what type of bag they wish to use to carry out their purchased items. Paper, plastic or reusable bags can be found in most stores, and depending on the items purchased, the customer is generally the one who makes that decision. Many retailers sell reusable bags and many also now provide the opportunity to recycle plastic bags on site. There are many benefits to these different types of bags, including plastic bags. Plastic carryout bags are often strong enough to reduce the need for double bagging of heavy items. They are recyclable and reusable. Plastic bags are now being recycled into new bags, composite lumber and other products. They are light weight and easy to carry, yet sturdy and water resistant. Consumers reuse plastic bags as wastebasket liners, lunch bags, cleaning up after pets and countless other ways. A ban on plastic bags is not needed, but further education on the issue is warranted. We need to focus our attentions on educating consumers about their recycling options, which retailers will continue to do. A ban will unfortunately not solve our litter problem either, or serve to correct the reckless actions of those who do discard of bags improperly. Educating the public about recycling opportunities and encouraging reuse is the route we ought to take. Retailers can provide a means for proper recycling, but consumers need to participate, too, by limiting the number of bags requested, reusing bags and then bringing the bags back to a local retailer who has an in-store recycling program. Product regulations such as these are best left to federal and state regulators, so as not to disrupt the flow of commerce and to allow for uniformity in the marketplace. We respectfully ask you to protect consumer choice and to reject any proposed ban on plastic bags in the Town of Plymouth. Thank you. Sincerely, William C. Rennie Vice President |