BUFFALO (WBEN) - In what was, and still is, considered a controversial decision by the New York State government, the single-use plastic bag ban went into effect this past Sunday.
Of course, many are struggling to get accustomed to the bag ban, and in an effort to help curb some of the unpreparedness, Mayor Byron Brown made an appearance at the Jefferson Avenue Tops on Thursday afternoon to help pass reusable bags out to customers.
"This is just one of the many opportunities we have to be in the community, to be a part of the positive change that the City of Buffalo is bringing regarding the recyclables," said Britney McClain, of the the Boy Scout Council. "Plastic bag waste has taken a toll on our city, and we're so glad to be able to get that message out."
Tops Public and Media Relations Manager Kathy Sautter says the impact of their recycling programs have already created a major effect.
"In 2019 alone, Tops has recycled over 16,000 tons of cardboard boxes, paper, newspaper, magazines, cardboard displays, and 654 tons of plastic shopping bags," she said. "When you add that up, it equates to the weight of three elephants, just to give you a visual."