Flushing, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WF-Fresh Meadows) hosted a reusable bag giveaway at the Selfhelp Benjamin Rosenthal Senior Center. Citizens Committee for New York City provided the reusable canvas bags that were given away to local residents at no cost. The distribution was held as part of ongoing efforts to encourage reusable bag use and raise awareness about a new law set to take effect on February 15, 2017 that will place a 5 cent charge on single-use plastic and paper bags.

“With plastic waste posing a greater risk, today's giveaway in Flushing with the help of Citizens Committee will positively impact our community,” said Rozic who sits on the Assembly’s Committee on Environmental Conservation. “It is important that we inform Queens residents about the various green initiatives available to help our environment and our economy.”

“New York City has a bad habit that is expensive and dirty and one that we can break easily and soon. It’s the habit of using single-use bags. We are grateful to Assemblywoman Rozic for taking a stand for the city’s environment and economy. Today’s reusable bag giveaway proves that it takes less than one minute to convince New Yorkers that breaking the disposable bag habit and getting into the habit of shopping with reusable bags is the common sense and right thing to do,” said Peter H. Kostmayer, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York City.

Under the law, the 5 cent charge will be retained by store owners. Purchases made using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or WIC (Women, Infants and Children) are exempt, as are purchases made at restaurants, liquor stores, and food pantries. The bill introduced in the New York City Council estimates that New Yorkers throw away more than 9 million plastic