As local streams and creeks become inundated with plastic waste, Paikoff believes that there should be a greater sense of urgency to do something about.
“We in Media wanted to make sure that we’re doing our part to keep our local watershed clean, to keep our local water supply as clean as possible, and to protect the environment,” Paikoff said.
“Personally, I really thought this was an effort we needed to take on in Media because all of our trash right now, as you know, is going to Chester to be incinerated, which is contributing to environmental racism and pollution of our own community. So while plastic bags is a very small percentage of what is going to the incinerator — it still makes up a portion of that,” said Media EAC member Erica Burman said.
She said that she sees passing plastic bag bans as a “huge stepping stone” in adopting zero-waste practices.
Pointing to the success of Media’s municipal-wide composting program, Burman is already looking forward to building on the plastic ordinance.
“We’re putting together a list of all of the businesses in Media that offer different sustainability initiatives and that includes refills and reusable takeout containers,” Burman said.
Media officials are currently working to develop a sustainable storefronts initiative to recognize businesses that are taking further steps to reduce their own environmental impact.
“We hope to build off of that and improve sustainability across the borough, but also inspire local municipalities to do the same,” Burman said.
The borough’s EAC is also looking into alternatives to the municipality’s gas-powered vehicle fleet to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.