Reusable Bag Campaign to Eliminate Plastic Bags by 2013

By Mr George Markfelder (JFHQNCRMDW)July 7, 2011

Reusable Bag Campaign to Eliminate Plastic Bags by 2013
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH) commander, Col. Carl R. Coffman has developed a plan to eliminate the use of plastic bags on his base by 2013, and is asking all to help meet that goal by using reusable bags when visiting the JBM-HH commissary, post exchange, shoppette, or Marine Corps exchange. Reusable bags are now available at these establishments.

According to information in the memorandum announcing the program, JBM-HH currently uses more than 4 million plastic bags each year, with the commissary distributing the largest amount at 3.6 million. Plastic bags are made from non-renewable petroleum products that take anywhere from 400 to 1000 years to biodegrade and eventually break down into smaller, more toxic, petroleum products, which can contaminate soils and waterways. Plastic bags are rarely recycled, and often end up along roadsides, in trees, as well as in local streams and rivers.

For additional information please contact the JBM-HH Environmental Management Directorate at (703) 696-8055.