Plastics Reduction INITIATIVE
Plastic Bag Ban
Did you know that Providence has a plastic bag ban?
The law went into effect on October 22, 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the implementation of the ban. As you may have noticed, many shops and restaurants around Providence are STILL using plastic bags!
ZWP wants to see the plastic bag ban enforced. Furthermore, we want to determine how this can lead to a culture of bringing reusable bags to stores, and avoiding single-use bags altogether.
What can you do as a PVD resident?
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Bring your reusable bag to stores!
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When you see a business giving out plastic bags, report it to Providence 311 (search "plastic bag" to submit a Plastic Bag Ban Complaint).
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Talk to your local store! Tell them why it is important to you that stores stop using plastic bags. Use your power as a consumer to advocate for sustainable practices!
REUSABLE BAGS
ZWP has led multiple initiatives to increase the availability and use of reusable bags across Providence
ZWP Bag Exchanges
ZWP had its first ever Bag Exchange
during the city-wide Earth Day Cleanup.
Attendees brought their single-use plastic bags for a reusable tote bag. All plastic bags collected were used to make mats which were then donated to local homeless shelters.
Reusable Bag Swap
Zero Waste Providence Reusable Bag Swap bins can be found at any of the nine Providence Community Libraries
Take a free bag, leave a free bag! Help us get rid of plastic bags!
*This initiative is currently paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic
ZWP Sew-In
ZWP partnered with local sewers to create reusable bags from donated seat cushions! These cushions were diverted from the landfill, thanks to the hard work and craftiness of local volunteers!