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Plastic Pollution

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Photo:  Mike Walker

Thursday, May 19, 2022
7pm
Where: ONLINE and In-person at the Mount Vernon Government Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria 22306

Register here.

Sarah Kollar, Outreach Manager of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, will examine the plastic pollution crisis, the impacts on communities, wildlife and other natural resources and solutions to plastic proliferation

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Plastics! Plastics! Everywhere.

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Article and photos by FMN Mike Walker

Like last year, I saved every scrap of “plastic” that came in to my home in January and February. Fortunately I have a wonderful screen porch to store this stuff outside during the cold weather. As you can see above, in two months, I collected a shocking total of about 60 cubic feel of “plastic” stuff, ranging from bubble wrap, packaging waste (even from organic products) prescription bottles, shrink wrap, etc. I even had a plastic hose from my washing machine, plastic “throw-away” sunglasses from the doctor for eye dilation and plastic clips from ink for my printer. A real potpourri of plastic trash.  My wife and I do not go out of our way to buy plastic products, of course, I submit that we are typical consumers. Collecting two months worth of material is a vivid reminder of what is coming into our lives and how difficult it is to avoid an avalanche of plastic material.

After two months of collecting,  I sorted the plastic into what can actually be recycled….see my picture below….a small fraction of waste…15 bottles and some caps. While manufacturers offer “helpful” codes on the bottom of many plastic products, most plastic is simply not recyclable and in Fairfax County becomes waste to be incinerated.

Being aware of our use patterns for “stuff”…whether it be plastic, water consumption, gasoline or other resources is the first step in becoming aware of our impact on the earth and the search for serious reductions in consumption. Taking the time to simply collect the plastic that comes into your home for a period of time can become a real eye opener to the sheer volume and variety of plastics – including non-recyclable plastics – that are encountered everyday. It can really make you mindful to look for ways to reduce your consumption, too.

Five Things To Know About The Plastic Bag Tax

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                                                                                                                                                Image courtesy of Fairfax County Government

A new five-cent tax on disposable plastic bags went into effect at certain retailers across Fairfax County on Jan. 1, 2022. Here are five things you need to know about this new tax. You can learn more at: 5 Things To Know About The Plastic Bag Tax | News Center (fairfaxcounty.gov)

 1. ONLY THREE TYPES OF RETAILERS ARE AFFECTED

The tax is only on disposable plastic bags from grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores. Some bigger box stores, like Walmart, are also included.

2. THE TAX IS COMPLETELY AVOIDABLE

If you bring your own reusable shopping bag and use it at the register, you can avoid paying this tax.

3. THE PURPOSE OF THE TAX IS TO CURB PLASTIC POLLUTION

Unlike some other taxes, this tax does not exist for the purpose of collecting revenue. The entire goal of the tax is to help encourage change behavior and to reduce the use of disposable plastic bags.

4. ANY REVENUE COLLECTED WILL BE USED FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

The Virginia Department of Taxation will administer and collect the tax. Any revenue collected will be provided to Fairfax County periodically and will be used to help stand up environmental programs and services to curb litter and pollution, and to provide reusable bags to those eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.

5. ARLINGTON AND ALEXANDRIA ALSO HAVE A PLASTIC BAG TAX

The region is moving collectively to address plastic pollution. Both Arlington and Alexandria have implemented a five-cent tax on disposable plastic bags as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Plastic Bag Tax Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about administration or enforcement, please contact Virginia Tax at 804-367-8031.

Virginia Water Monitoring Council Virtual Conference

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21-22 September 2020
Via GoToWebinar

This year’s Virginia Water Monitoring Council Conference will be held using a virtual format through GoToWebinar. Topics include coastal resilience, plastic pollution, Winter Salt Watch, and more. The program runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each day, September 21st and 22nd. Registration is $30/person.

For more agenda, information, registration and contacts, see the conference webpage.