Newtown Borough Council has voted to advertise a new ordinance for passage in March that would regulate single-use plastics in the borough. If adopted, retail stores and restaurants would no longer be allowed to give customers single-use plastic bags. Instead, they could offer their customers recyclable paper bags or reusable bags for a fee of at least 15 cents. Businesses and restaurants would also only be allowed to give out single-use plastic straws and utensils upon request. In addition, “expanded polystyrene food containers” would be prohibited. The new regulations would go into effect 180 days following final adoption, which is scheduled for the March 12th.
Works Cited: Patch News – Newtown Borough One Vote Away From Regulating Single-Use Plastics
March 9th, 2024 Edit: While inside a restaurant at Newtown, I came across a flyer for “Newtown Township Single Use Plastic Ordinance. See link here: https://newtownpa.gov/highlight/newtown-township-plastics-ordinance/
Author’s Note!!
Recently, Newtown voted that they would ban single-use plastic bags. According to Fox 29 News Philadelphia, “The borough council unanimously voted this week to ban single-use plastic bags, and restrict plastic straws and utensils. There will also be a 15 cent fee on paper bags. The ordinance is scheduled to go into effect after 180 days.” As of August 7th, stores are providing plastic bags.
Bit by Bit 
How do microplastics form if plastics don’t break down?
LikeLike
Large plastic items like water bottles, food containers, and bags can break into smaller pieces because of things like the sun, wind, and water. This is called “degradation.” However, unlike natural things that break down into useful parts, plastic just keeps getting smaller and smaller until it forms microplastics that can stay for hundreds of years!
LikeLike