Atlantic Beach takes a green step forward

The longest of journeys always begins with the first step, and though the number of Atlantic Beach village’s businesses is small compared to surrounding communities, the municipality veered to thinking globally as the five trustees unanimously voted Monday to prohibit the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags.

As Jan. 1 of next year, the 1-square-mile village that includes roughly 15 businesses will allow use of biodegradable bags, which are bags capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. Upwards of nearly 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide annually.

“I see it as a win for the environment and a win for the business owner,” said Mayor George Pappas, noting that the proposed local law was discussed at the August meeting. “The cost is fair to our businesses.” The cost difference between the bags is negligible, depending on the supplier.

Pappas related that when he shops in Long Beach, he sees people paying the 5 cents per bag fee the city instituted and apparently that is not keeping plastic bags out of the environment. It has been reported that the bags not only end up ad trash on the streets, but also clog storm drains and in the South Shore’s waterways.

Atlantic Beach’s measure could prompt the county to follow suit, said County Legislator Denise Ford (R-Long Beach), who represents the village. “It is something we are to be looking out,” she said, adding that she has brought it to the county’s attention and research is being conducted.

Many years ago, Ford said she in worked in Bohack’s supermarket and coupled with years of food shopping is all too familiar with bagging groceries. “I’d like to go to paper bags,” Ford said, remembering how she and her Bohack colleagues packed those bags and made sure each bag was not to heavy, especially for the older customers “It is still in discussion and has not been calendared yet.”

“I think it’s a great step forward,” said Kevin Kelly, a village resident who ran for the board in June.

The New Year’s Day effect date will give “businesses an opportunity to exhaust their existing stock,” said Village Attorney Charles Kovit.

The next village meeting is Oct. 15 at 7:45 p.m. in Village Hall, 65 The Plaza.