Keep McAllen Beautiful Launches Re-usable Bags Campaign

Mayor Richard Cortez and Keep McAllen Beautiful, Inc. (KMB) hosted a news conference Thursday, September 30, 2010, at Archer Park to launch a re-usable bags campaign.

Mayor Cortez and officials from KMB introduced a new video public service announcement that depicts the unsightliness of plastic bags, when they are not disposed of properly. They also highlighted the downside to using plastic bags and the upside of using re-usable bags.

"By using reusable bags, it prevents plastic bags from ending up in the landfill. It takes 1,000 years for plastics bags to break down," said Cortez.

City of McAllen Renewable Resources Manager Chris Lash added, “Americans use over 380 billion plastic bags per year and throw away approximately 100 billion bags per year. Help McAllen Go Green by using re-usable bags."

Why not to use plastic bags:

• Plastics are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource

• Production of plastics releases toxic chemicals into the environment

• Plastic bags can create litter that clogs storm drains

• Plastic bags can last 15-1000 years in the environment

Why re-usable bags are better:

• Reusable bags can carry more than standard plastic bags

• Reusable bags are designed to be easier to carry

• Most reusable bags are made from eco-friendly fabrics

• Most reusable bags are also washable and will last many years

• Some stores provide discounts for bringing in reusable bags. Check with your favorite retailers to see if you can get a discount for going green!

Residents are encouraged to visit the Keep McAllen Beautiful booth at PalmFest this weekend. They can trade in 5 plastic bags for a re-usable bag.

For more information about the re-usable bags campaign, call Keep McAllen Beautiful at (956) 681-4562.