To the Editor:

Taking the first step to changing the status quo is never easy. Yet, humanity’s most beneficial changes often begin with seemingly impossible visions that become reality.

Mercer County residents currently use 183 million plastic bags per year. In November 2014, the Princeton community, voted overwhelmingly for the referendum on single-use plastic bags 3:1. Today, it is time for Princeton Council to make a reality of reducing single-use carryout bags by passing an ordinance.

On January 28, 2015 I was afforded the opportunity to introduce a draft ordinance I wrote for the Princeton Environmental Council (PEC) who voted unanimously to support the ordinance.

The new draft ordinance differs from a previous one I co-authored with Daniel Harris in 2011 that called for a ban on single-use plastics, by proposing a charge of 10 cents per bag. The intent is both to significantly reduce the impact of single-use plastic and paper carryout bags and to promote a major shift in consumer behavior toward the use of reusable bags. Across the nation, in towns that have enacted charges, a 60 to 90 percent reduction in single-use-bags has occurred.

When Princeton Council passes this ordinance, Princeton will become the first municipality in the state to legislate its single-use bag waste, advancing Princeton’s reputation as a community with Sustainable Silver accreditation from Sustainable Jersey.

When change is proposed, the response is often to cling to the status quo. After President Obama announced his decision to run for election, he was advised that the timing was not right and that he must wait. Many fought against the civil rights movement and many continue to resist eliminating single-use bags.

As Sam Cooke so beautifully sings: “It’s been a long, long time coming, but I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will.”

Visions that change and impact lives are infused with passion and purpose, and often require heroic activism and bold action. I want to acknowledge those that have taken bold action to move forward with an ordinance over the last four years:

Sophie Glover for starting the BYOBAG Campaign, supporting an ordinance in 2011.

Daniel Harris for co-authoring the first draft in 2011 with me, writing countless letters to the editor, editing countless documents and the new draft ordinance.

Noemi de la Puente founder of NJThinkoutsidethebag for her passion around organizing people around this issue.

Brian Hughes, county executive, for the heroic step to put the referendum on the November 2014 ballot.

The entire Mercer County coalition that met at the StonyBrook Millstone Watershed and worked to support the referendum.

Jenny Crumiller for being willing to introduce a resolution on the referendum in 2014 and publically supporting the draft ordinance.

Stephanie Chorney for her work and advocating to get the draft ordinance in front of the PEC now, and for all the PEC Members for voting yes on the ordinance and for action now.

Heather Howard for publically supporting the draft ordinance.

Jennie Romer for her incredible advice, education, expertise, and wiliness to explore new solutions on this issue.

I hope this vision becomes contagious and that Princeton Council acts boldly and heroically, allowing Princeton to take that first step toward leading New Jersey to reduce single-use carryout bags.

Questions on the specifics of the draft ordinance can be directed to bainysuri@gmail.com.

Bainy Suri

Chestnut Street