10 signatures reached
To: Winchester City Council
A Cleaner, Greener Winchester Starts with a 5¢ Bag Fee
Dear Members of Winchester City Council,
As residents of Winchester, I urge you to join with our neighboring cities and counties that have already adopted the 5¢ Disposable Plastic Bag Tax authorized under Virginia Code §58.1‑1745. This small, proven fee is one of the most effective tools available to reduce plastic litter, protect local waterways, and support a cleaner and healthier community.
Plastic bags are consistently among the most common items found in community cleanups and stormwater systems. They break down into microplastics that harm wildlife, clog drainage infrastructure, and create long‑term environmental and financial burdens for our city.
Communities across Virginia that have implemented this fee have seen significant reductions in plastic bag waste. The fee is fully avoidable by bringing reusable bags, and the revenue collected is restricted by state law for:
- Litter prevention and cleanup
- Environmental education
- Providing reusable bags to low‑income residents
This policy is practical, cost‑effective, and aligned with Winchester’s values of stewardship and community well‑being. I respectfully ask you to move this measure forward and help make Winchester a cleaner, more sustainable place for everyone.
Sincerely,
Winchester Residents and Supporters
Enclosed: Petition Signatures (Online + Paper)
Winchester Residents and Supporters
Enclosed: Petition Signatures (Online + Paper)
Why is this important?
Why This Campaign Matters
Plastic pollution is one of the most visible and preventable problems in our community. Disposable plastic bags clog storm drains, litter our neighborhoods, harm wildlife, and break down into microplastics that end up in our waterways and soil. Winchester spends time and resources cleaning up something that doesn’t need to be created in the first place.
A small, avoidable 5¢ fee is one of the simplest and most effective tools available to reduce plastic waste. Communities across Virginia have already seen dramatic reductions in litter after adopting this policy. The revenue stays local and can only be used for cleanup, environmental education, and providing reusable bags to residents who need them.
This campaign is about taking a practical, commonsense step that protects our environment, reduces waste, and strengthens our community’s long‑term health.
🤝 Why Others Should Join This Effort
This campaign is about more than plastic bags — it’s about showing that Winchester cares about stewardship, responsibility, and the kind of community we want to leave for future generations.
When more people add their names, it sends a clear message to City Council that residents want action, not just talk. Every signature demonstrates that Winchester is ready for solutions that are simple, fair, and proven to work. Joining this campaign means:
- Supporting cleaner streets, parks, and waterways
- Reducing long‑term environmental and financial costs
- Helping ensure reusable bags reach residents who need them
- Showing City Council that this issue matters to the people they serve
Collective action is powerful. When neighbors stand together, we can move our city toward policies that reflect our shared values and make Winchester a cleaner, healthier place for everyone.