POLL Findings: Don't Ban Plastic Bags

More than three out of four voters in a recent Patch poll do not support a ban of plastic grocery and takeout bags in Barrington.

The Town Council plans to unveil an ordinance at its next meeting on Monday, Sept. 10, that proposes to ban the bags. A public hearing on the ordinance will then be held at the Town Council’s Oct. 1 meeting.

A Patch poll ran from Monday, Aug. 27 through Friday, Aug. 31. Thirty-seven readers voted. Voters could only vote once. Almost 80 percent of them said they do not support a ban.

The question was: Should Barrington ban plastic grocery bags?

The actual response was:

·  Yes, recycling still doesn't seem to be working -- 8 votes or 21 percent

·  No, I want a choice of paper or plastic or reusable bags -- 29 votes or 78 percent

Last week’s results are the second time since February that readers indicate they do not favor a ban – and the opposition seems to be growing.

A Patch poll in February accompanied the first story on the proposal for a bag ban by Conservation Commission member Joseph Roberts. That poll asked readers if Barrington should even consider such a ban.

Almost 54 percent of voters opposed the consideration of the idea. About 45 percent said the Barrington Town Council should consider a ban.

The Conservation Commission supports the ban because of concerns over the negative environmental impact of the bags. It is getting support from several environmental groups with the same concerns.

Opponents believe there is a better way to deal with the ubiquitious bags -- recycling them into other plastic products and mulch.