To the Editor:

As Rhode Islanders, we take pride in our beaches, but unfortunately they face a plastic bag litter problem. Who hasn’t seen a plastic bag stuck in a tree or blowing down the road? This isn’t just an eyesore; it’s also a big problem for our tourism industry. With over 50,000 employed in hospitality and tourism here in Rhode Island, keeping our waterways, beaches and parks free of unnecessary plastic bag waste should be a priority.

Luckily, replacing the plastic bag will be easy. Reusable bags are readily available to consumers, and a great marketing opportunity for retailers to promote their brand. In addition, they can save money by not needing to supply free plastic bags to every customer.

Now is the time to ban plastic bags in Rhode Island! Just recently legislation to ban plastic bags statewide was re-introduced in the House of Representatives. And as a Cranston resident, I urge Senator Miller and Representative Lima to support this important bill to ban plastic bags in Rhode Island.  

Kayla Lynch

URI class of 2015

Intern for Environment Rhode Island

Cranston