Eliminate Single Use Plastic Bags in New Hampshire's Grocery Stores
Eliminate Single Use Plastic Bags in New Hampshire's Grocery Stores
The Issue
To: New Hampshire Grocery Store Owners and Managers
We, the undersigned residents of New Hampshire, are petitioning New Hampshire’s major grocery store chains to voluntarily eliminate the practice of providing free single-use plastic bags at checkouts.
Why This Petition is Necessary:
- New Hampshire grocery stores distribute millions of single-use plastic bags annually, with each bag being used for an average of only 12 minutes but persisting in our environment for up to 1,000 years.
- Retailers report saving $50-100 per 1,000 customers after eliminating free plastic bags.
- 64% of shoppers prefer environmentally responsible retailers.
- Significant decreases in waste management costs occur with the elimination of single use plastic bags.
- Stores in Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts have successfully implemented plastic bag reductions mandated by law, and customers have adapted.
- Plastic bags are one of the top five items found in our coastal cleanups, from Hampton Beach to the Great Bay, threatening our marine ecosystems.
- Plastics don’t decompose, they break down into “microplastics.” Studies show microplastics in our lungs, liver, heart, brain increase our chances of heart attack, stroke or death.*
- Scientists from the Green Mountain Conservation Group in Carroll County, New Hampshire have discovered microplastics in well water, backyard snow, and in every river and stream they have sampled since 2022.
- Our tourist economy depends on natural beauty. Discarded plastic bags detract from our scenic landscapes and harm our wildlife.
We respectfully request that your stores:
1. Phase out free single-use plastic bags at checkout by the end of 2025.
2. Implement an immediate "opt-in" policy where cashiers ask if customers need bags.
3. Install prominent displays offering customers the choice to purchase a reusable bag option.
How we can help:
1. We can use our extensive network to promote bag collection and recycling events at your store.
2. We can recommend vendors for durable, locally branded reusable bags.
3. We can write letters to newspapers statewide celebrating your store’s decision to voluntarily reduce single use plastic in New Hampshire.
The following organizations support this petition:
Green Mountain Conservation Group, Kearsarge Climate Action, NH Healthy Climate, NH Network, North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, Portsmouth Climate Action, Save Forest Lake,
Tamworth Recycling Project, Third Act New Hampshire
The Issue
To: New Hampshire Grocery Store Owners and Managers
We, the undersigned residents of New Hampshire, are petitioning New Hampshire’s major grocery store chains to voluntarily eliminate the practice of providing free single-use plastic bags at checkouts.
Why This Petition is Necessary:
- New Hampshire grocery stores distribute millions of single-use plastic bags annually, with each bag being used for an average of only 12 minutes but persisting in our environment for up to 1,000 years.
- Retailers report saving $50-100 per 1,000 customers after eliminating free plastic bags.
- 64% of shoppers prefer environmentally responsible retailers.
- Significant decreases in waste management costs occur with the elimination of single use plastic bags.
- Stores in Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts have successfully implemented plastic bag reductions mandated by law, and customers have adapted.
- Plastic bags are one of the top five items found in our coastal cleanups, from Hampton Beach to the Great Bay, threatening our marine ecosystems.
- Plastics don’t decompose, they break down into “microplastics.” Studies show microplastics in our lungs, liver, heart, brain increase our chances of heart attack, stroke or death.*
- Scientists from the Green Mountain Conservation Group in Carroll County, New Hampshire have discovered microplastics in well water, backyard snow, and in every river and stream they have sampled since 2022.
- Our tourist economy depends on natural beauty. Discarded plastic bags detract from our scenic landscapes and harm our wildlife.
We respectfully request that your stores:
1. Phase out free single-use plastic bags at checkout by the end of 2025.
2. Implement an immediate "opt-in" policy where cashiers ask if customers need bags.
3. Install prominent displays offering customers the choice to purchase a reusable bag option.
How we can help:
1. We can use our extensive network to promote bag collection and recycling events at your store.
2. We can recommend vendors for durable, locally branded reusable bags.
3. We can write letters to newspapers statewide celebrating your store’s decision to voluntarily reduce single use plastic in New Hampshire.
The following organizations support this petition:
Green Mountain Conservation Group, Kearsarge Climate Action, NH Healthy Climate, NH Network, North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, Portsmouth Climate Action, Save Forest Lake,
Tamworth Recycling Project, Third Act New Hampshire
Petition Closed
Share this petition
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on December 13, 2024