Kudos to the New York City Council for introducing a bill that would impose a 10-cent fee on all plastic and paper grocery bags. If the bill passes, it will help clean up our environment and save countless animals.
According to Rebecca Hosking, who made the riveting documentary “Hawaii: Message in the Waves,” plastic bags often end up in our oceans, where they can remain for years. More than 100,000 birds, sea turtles, dolphins and other marine animals die every year after they mistake floating plastic bags for food and eat them.
Paper bags aren’t an animal-friendly or environmentally friendly choice either. The National Cooperative Grocers Association estimates that 14 million trees are used annually to make paper bags for Americans. When forests — which absorb greenhouse gases — are cut down, wildlife habitats are destroyed and animals are displaced.
Fortunately, reusable tote bags are a humane, inexpensive and environmentally friendly option. Check out Ingrid E. Newkirk’s book, “One Can Make a Difference,” for more information and tips on how you can help animals and the environment. Heather Moore PETA Foundation Norfolk, Va.