Newtown has joined the growing list of communities in the Philadelphia region to take a stand against environmental pollution by enacting a ban on single-use plastics, according to a recent report by FOX 29 Philadelphia.

This groundbreaking decision was reached last week when the Newtown Borough Council cast a unanimous vote in favor of the legislation, marking a significant step towards sustainability and environmental protection within the community.

The newly passed ordinance specifically targets single-use plastic bags, along with imposing restrictions on the use of plastic straws and utensils.

This move is aimed at curbing the environmental impact of disposable plastics, which are known to cause significant harm to wildlife, marine life, and the broader ecosystem due to their non-biodegradable nature.

To adapt to this change, Newtown residents are encouraged to embrace the use of reusable grocery bags. This shift is not only environmentally responsible but also economically advantageous in the long run.

As an additional measure to promote sustainability, the ordinance includes a provision that imposes a 15-cent fee on paper bags provided at stores.

The plastic ban ordinance is scheduled to go into effect after a 180-day grace period, allowing residents and businesses ample time to adjust to the new regulations.

Learn more about the Newtown plastic ban in Fox 29 Philadelphia.