WHY WE NEED THIS BAN
15,960
Bottles per Day
The average person in the US uses 0.42 plastic water bottles per day. In Shrewsbury, that means around 15,960 single-use plastic bottles per day!
450
Years to Decompose
A single plastic bottle takes up to 450 years to decompose in the environment.
One drink. Centuries of damage.
5
Grams
Microplastics have been found in our food, water, and our organs. Studies suggest that on average, we ingest the equivalent of5 grams of plastics every week and the long term health effects are unclear..
5-6%
Actually Recycled
Only about 5-6% of US plastics are ever recycled. That means nearly 95% ends up in landfills, incinerators, or our environment.
Recycling isn’t enough — we need to reduce plastic at the source.
Why Students Want This
Students at Shrewsbury High School have been researching the environmental impact of single-use plastics and are deeply concerned about the future of our planet.
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Plastic bottles contribute significantly to pollution in our community and oceans
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The production of plastic bottles consumes valuable resources and contributes to climate change
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Many bottles end up as litter in our parks, streets, and waterways
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Reusable bottles are a healthier, more sustainable alternative
This ban would eliminate single-use plastic water bottles in town reducing litter, improving health outcomes, and setting Shrewsbury on course for a more sustainable future.
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Even if you’re not a Town Meeting Member, you still have a say! Here's how you can support the proposed ban on single-use plastic water bottles in our community:
✅ Talk to Your Town Meeting Member:
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Find out who represents your precinct at Town Meeting.
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Reach out via email or phone to share your opinion about the plastic water bottle ban.
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Explain why this issue matters to you and ask them to vote in favor of the article.
✅ Spread the Word:
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Talk to your neighbors, post on community boards, and share your support on social media.
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The more voices, the more power we have to make change.
SPREAD THE WORD
Help us spread awareness about the initiative. Share our cause with your friends, family, and community to garner support for the plastic water bottle ban.
Join us in our mission to make a positive impact on the environment. Together, we can work towards a sustainable and plastic-free future for Shrewsbury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly would the ban prohibit? The ban would prohibit the sale and distribution of single-use plastic water bottles in Shrewsbury. It wouldn't affect other beverages or plastic bottles used for other purposes.
What alternatives will be available? Some schools and town buildings already provide water refill stations and encourage the use of reusable bottles. For those who forget their bottle, alternatives like compostable cups or aluminum bottles could be sold under the ban.
Have other communities done this successfully? Yes! Over 25 municipalities in Massachusetts have implemented some form of plastic bottle ban, including Concord, Sudbury, and Hingham. Many schools and universities have also eliminated plastic water bottles with great success.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this important issue and for being an engaged member of our community. Your involvement makes a real difference. Whether you're reaching out to your Town Meeting Member, speaking with the Select Board, or simply having conversations with neighbors — you are helping move us toward a more sustainable future.
Together, we can make change happen. 💧🌍