Student Assembly

Sponsored by: Sarah Loftus ‘13, Sarah Balik ‘15

Whereas, Cornell University is a progressive force in creating a sustainable future;

Whereas, the distribution of single-use plastic shopping bags creates landfill waste, pollution, and wasted energy because they are made from non-renewable resources such as petroleum;

Whereas, The Cornell Store alone uses about 160,000 plastic bags per year in addition to thousands of bags issued by on campus markets and dining halls;

Whereas, students can directly affect the environmental impact of the University by making informed decisions as consumers;

Whereas, a Plastic Bag Fee could discourage students from contributing to Cornell’s carbon footprint through the continued use of plastic bags;

Whereas, the revenue generated from such a fee could provide funds to promote sustainable initiatives within the University;

Be it therefore resolved, that a Plastic Bag Fee of $0.05 per plastic bag be enacted at any venue on campus that distributes them (i.e. The Cornell Store, Jansen’s Market, Bear Necessities, etc.);

Be it further resolved, that the revenue generated from this fee be placed into a fund to promote sustainable initiatives that directly positively affect the Cornell community, specifically, the Green Revolving Fund and/or another venue.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah Loftus ‘13
Society for Natural Resources Conservation, President

Sarah Balik ‘15
Agriculture and Life Sciences Representative

(Reviewed by: Environmental Committee, 11/15/2012)