Newtown Environmental Advisory Council Survey - Use of Single-Use Plastics

The Newtown Borough Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is considering drafting an ordinance to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Similar ordinances have been adopted or are being considered in Newtown Township, Solebury, West Chester, Philadelphia, Doylestown Township and Borough, and Lower Makefield Township among others. We would be in very good company!

We would like to hear about your business practices, interests, and goals as it relates to single-use plastics.

Reduction is where we want to start. Single-use items or disposable items are products and packaging that we throw out after only one use. These items are used for only minutes but their impact on our environment can last thousands of years.

SAVE THE DATE! Monday 5/8/23 at the Chancellor Center, we (Newtown EAC) want to hear from you. Join us at 7:00 pm for an informational presentation and a Q & A session.

Thank you for your time and your feedback!

Question Title

* 1. What type of business do you have?

Restaurant, café, take-away food

Small commercial/retail space

Large commercial or chain space

Supermarket or grocery store

Professional office

Personal services (e.g. salon)

Other (please specify)

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* 2. Does your business use any of the following single-use plastics/styrofoam?

Plastic Bags

Plastic Straws/Coffee Stirrers

Styrofoam

Plastic Utensils

Plastic Cups and Food Containers

All of the above

None of the above

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* 3. Do you currently use environmentally friendly packaging such as recycled paper, bamboo, etc.? If so, what products do you use and who is the supplier?

Yes

Supplier

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* 4. How are single-use plastic items provided to customers?

Automatically

Upon request

Not provided

Other (please specify)

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* 5. What barriers (if any) keep you from switching to a more environmentally friendly alternative?

Cost of alternatives

Availability from suppliers

Unaware of alternatives

Store policy and procedures

Convenience

Customer preference

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Have you considered or already implemented measures to reduce single-use plastics, such as using recyclable or compostable alternatives, or encouraging customers to bring their own bags?

Yes

Other (please specify)

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* 7. Would you support measures to reduce or ban Single-use plastics and styrofoam in Newtown Borough?

Yes

If No, why?

Other (please specify)

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* 8. Which of the following alternatives do you feel your business would support to limit the use of single-use plastic bags?

A ban on the distribution of plastic bags, with the distribution of recycled material paper bags allowed for a 15 cent fee per bag that would be kept by retail establishments.

Distribute plastic bags for a small fee and paper bags for free (or charge for both?)

Offer customers a 5-10 cent refund for bringing reusable bags.

Distribute plastic bags upon request only

None of the above

Other (please specify)

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* 9. You have made an investment in your business and single-use plastics may play a role in this investment. How long would it take you to use up your current supply of single-use plastic bags?

3 months

6 months

9 months

12 months

No longer stock

Newtown Environmental Advisory Council Survey - Use of Single-Use Plastics

Question Title

* 1. What type of business do you have?

Question Title

* 2. Does your business use any of the following single-use plastics/styrofoam?

Question Title

* 3. Do you currently use environmentally friendly packaging such as recycled paper, bamboo, etc.? If so, what products do you use and who is the supplier?

Question Title

* 4. How are single-use plastic items provided to customers?

Question Title

* 5. What barriers (if any) keep you from switching to a more environmentally friendly alternative?

Question Title

* 6. Have you considered or already implemented measures to reduce single-use plastics, such as using recyclable or compostable alternatives, or encouraging customers to bring their own bags?

Question Title

* 7. Would you support measures to reduce or ban Single-use plastics and styrofoam in Newtown Borough?

Question Title

* 8. Which of the following alternatives do you feel your business would support to limit the use of single-use plastic bags?

Question Title

* 9. You have made an investment in your business and single-use plastics may play a role in this investment. How long would it take you to use up your current supply of single-use plastic bags?

Question Title

* 10. Please let us know your name and place of business.