Reusable Bag Contest

(Silver City, NM, 2 December 2014) With only one month until the single-use plastic carryout bag ordinance goes into effect, the Town of Silver City is having a contest for people to make their own reusable shopping bags. Shoppers who use a reusable bag shopping are keeping hundreds to thousands of retail bags out of the environment. This has numerous benefits such as fewer bags blowing around and littering the landscape.

The contest is open to everyone but limited to one entry per person. The homemade bags will be judged based on their artistic merit, their functionality and their use of recycled or repurposed materials. Prizes will be awarded in each category. The judges will be Judy Billings from Aunt Judy's Attic, Diana Leyba from L & I Arts Supply, and Margaret Hadderman from Single Socks. Other sponsors include Walmart, the Silver City Museum, Silver City Food Coop, and more.

To enter the contest, drop off your bag at the Office of Sustainability by Dec. 19, 2014. The office is normally open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 to 4:30. Winners will be announced on Jan. 8, 2015. The bags will be returned to you after the contest ends. The winners will be on display for a month after the contest.

The town's plastic bag ordinance goes into effect on Jan. 8, 2015. It only restricts the use of thin single use plastic carryout bags at retail merchants within town limits. Restaurants are exempt from the ordinance. When the ordinance goes into effect stores will have the option of providing either paper bags, boxes or heavy weight reusable plastic bags. The ordinance does not affect other types of plastic bags that are used in stores for food safety. Stores will still have plastic bags available for meat, produce and bulk food items.

For additional information contact the Office of Sustainability at 519-8987.