Local Student Wins “BYO” Bag Poster Design Contest

Melrose High School students Anabelle Lauzon (first prize) and Piper Frankenthaler (second prize) provided the winning designs for the Melrose Recycling Committee’s “BYO”Bag poster contest.

The Recycling Committee held a poster design contest, seeking a design that reminds Melrosians to shop with reusable bags. Melrose has a new law, which takes effect July 1, that limits the use of plastic checkout bags. Under the new law paper bags will be available, however, reusable bags are encouraged as the best choice for the environment. According to Recycling Committee member Jeana McNeil, “Most residents own reusable bags already, however, not everyone is in the habit of bringing their own bag to shop. We call it the BYOBag Ordinance because the goal is for people to switch to reusable bags.” Lauzon’s winning poster design will be used throughout the city to remind residents to shop with reusable bags at the grocery store and at Melrose’s many small businesses.

Recycling Committee member Janet Aucello contacted MHS and other schools where Melrose students are enrolled, to encourage broad participation in the contest.  “We asked for a poster that is simple, memorable, and reflects Melrose community pride.  The contest entries showed talent. These students clearly put a lot of work into their designs.” said Aucello. 

Melrose is one of 73 Massachusetts communities to pass a law to reduce single-use plastic checkout bags. The law addresses the significant problem of plastic pollution and will improve efficiency of recyclables processing. The law takes effect July 1, 2018 for businesses with greater than 8000 sqft of retail space, which includes Shaw’s, Whole Foods, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.  All other retail establishments must comply by October 1, 2018. 

The Recycling Committee is working to make sure everyone has reusable bags. Free reusable bags are given away by businesses and at local events like Healthy Melrose.  In addition, the committee installed three “bag swap bins” at City Hall, the Library, and the Milano Center. According to McNeil, “People who have extra reusable bags can drop them into the bins.  People who need reusable bags can take one for free. The bag swap bins have been in place for two months and get a lot of use.  We want everyone to be ready for the new law on July 1.”

The Recycling Committee is a volunteer organization that works to promote waste reduction and recycling in the city. The committee meets the first Thursday of every month, 7pm, and the Melrose Public Library. All are welcome to attend.