Schaumburg could have led in fight against bags

Recently, the Health and Human Service Committee of the Village Of Schaumburg decided not to move forward on any action about a plastic bag ordinance. The decision was to wait a couple more years yet again.

The current solution to plastic bag litter in Schaumburg is a "wait and see approach." What is the village waiting for? Are they waiting for more and more bags to be pulled out of Salt Creek? Are they waiting for more kids of my generation at Woodfield Mall to get addicted to single-use disposable plastic? Are they waiting for more non-renewable resources to be used up?

Or as said at the meeting, are they waiting to see if more people "get it" so the board won't have to intervene?

What if they don't?

The excuse was to wait and see how Chicago and Evanston deal with their new plastic bag legislation. It was brought up that the Evanston ordinance was made possible because it are a university town, borders Chicago and its residents are more open to that type of legislation.

But didn't the Sierra Club name the Village of Schaumburg a certified green "Cool City"? Schaumburg received this because it is improving sustainability, protecting the environment and has clean energy initiatives.

A plastic bag ordinance would help improve all these issues and be that "type" of legislation.

It was stated that if Schaumburg had an ordinance, it would then be an island among other communities and the residents would be confused. I think the residents are smart and would be proud to be doing the right thing for the environment. Other communities would see this and want to do the same.

Schaumburg shouldn't wait on this. A plastic bag should not be Schaumburg's bag.

Abby Goldberg

Grayslake