Philadelphia has approved a bill that will make it mandatory for retail establishments to charge customers 10 cents per paper bag, despite Mayor Cherelle Parker's disapproval. The measure, which aims to reduce single-use bags and encourage consumers to bring their own bags, is set to take effect 60 days after its approval.
However, the city council voted on the bill with only five members present, so technically, it does not require a majority vote of the full council to become law. This loophole allows the bill to move forward without Parker's signature.
The legislation exempts deliveries, drive-thrus and takeout orders from the fee, but the proceeds will go directly to the stores that sell the bags. City Council member Mark Squilla claims the intention is not to place an extra burden on low-income residents who already struggle with affording grocery essentials.
Critics of the bill argue that its timing coincides with a freeze on Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Benefits, which has put further strain on vulnerable consumers. The mayor had expressed concerns about the legislation's impact on local businesses and low-income communities, particularly those reliant on government assistance programs like SNAP or WIC benefits.
Despite Parker's reservations, Squilla remains confident that the fee will reduce overall paper bag usage, as seen in previous instances where a similar policy was implemented with positive results. However, some who voted against the bill expressed concerns about the bill's potential unintended consequences for already struggling residents.
With Parker unable to block the legislation outright due to its wording, the city council can still take action if they choose to. A longer implementation timeline has been offered by Squilla, but it remains to be seen how effective this policy will be in reducing single-use bags and promoting sustainability.
However, the city council voted on the bill with only five members present, so technically, it does not require a majority vote of the full council to become law. This loophole allows the bill to move forward without Parker's signature.
The legislation exempts deliveries, drive-thrus and takeout orders from the fee, but the proceeds will go directly to the stores that sell the bags. City Council member Mark Squilla claims the intention is not to place an extra burden on low-income residents who already struggle with affording grocery essentials.
Critics of the bill argue that its timing coincides with a freeze on Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Benefits, which has put further strain on vulnerable consumers. The mayor had expressed concerns about the legislation's impact on local businesses and low-income communities, particularly those reliant on government assistance programs like SNAP or WIC benefits.
Despite Parker's reservations, Squilla remains confident that the fee will reduce overall paper bag usage, as seen in previous instances where a similar policy was implemented with positive results. However, some who voted against the bill expressed concerns about the bill's potential unintended consequences for already struggling residents.
With Parker unable to block the legislation outright due to its wording, the city council can still take action if they choose to. A longer implementation timeline has been offered by Squilla, but it remains to be seen how effective this policy will be in reducing single-use bags and promoting sustainability.
I mean, I'm all for saving the environment, but is this really gonna make a difference? We've seen these kinds of rules in other places before and it always seems to be just another way to make money. Can't they just find ways to encourage people to bring their own bags instead of forcing businesses to pass on the cost? 
I'm also not buying the whole "helping low-income residents" angle... it sounds like they're trying to make them pay even more for stuff they can barely afford. Plus, the fact that the money from the bags goes directly to the stores selling them is sketchy. Like, what's next? Charging us extra just because we want our groceries in a reusable bag? 
I'm keeping an eye on this one, folks...
to tell people what kind of bags they can use. Can't we just have one common sense rule instead of a gazillion tiny rules? And 10 cents for a paper bag? That's just ridiculous 
. I also don't buy into Squilla's claim that it won't hurt low-income residents 
, those are the ones who really need affordable groceries 
. It's just another example of governments trying to regulate everything 
. And what's with the exemption for deliveries and takeout orders? Just seems like a way to stick it to foodies 
. I hope this policy actually works out, but I've got my doubts 
I mean, who doesn't love the environment right? But for real tho, 10 cents might not be that much of a burden on people. It's like, how much water do we waste with all those single-use bags in one day lol? And honestly, it's kinda low-key genius that the city is thinking ahead and making stores pay for what they're selling. That way, they know exactly where their money is going. Let's see if this actually makes a difference, but I'm rooting for it 
We should think about how this law will affect people who can least afford it 
. I'm also wondering if it's just gonna push them to buy reusable bags instead, or if it'll make a real impact on reducing paper bag usage... only time (and the results) will tell 
. And yeah, I can see how this might hit low-income folks hard, especially with the SNAP thing going on right now