2024
Record Observer 200th Anniversary
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“We were putting together some information and our plan was to go out to all the local businesses and just kind of gather their thoughts on what they thought of a potential plastic bag ban,” Weed said. “We actually were pretty surprised at how many businesses were on board with it.”
The amount of wrap collected increased by 370% in just the second year of the program, according to a July press release. Six tons, or 12,000 pounds, of wrap was collected and recycled compared to 2023’s 1.62 tons recycled. The Town Council of Centreville passed the single-use plastic bag ban in 2023 following “overwhelming support” during hearings about the ordinance, according to a release by Plastic Free QAC. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, plastic bags are limited in stores but paper bags can be bought for ten cents, with exceptions for pharmacies and restaurants. Bente Cooney, founder of Plastic Free QAC, testifies here in 2019, before the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners on balloons posing risks to pilots The county also became the first in the state to enforce a balloon ban for non-biodegradable balloons in 2019; a statewide ban went into effect in 2021. “Deflated mylar and latex balloons, and the ribbons attached to them, harm the environment by maiming and killing wildlife, sea creatures, and farm animals,” said Jay Falstad, Queen Anne’s County Conservation Association executive director for a 2019 XCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: Lona has lived on the beautiful press release. Eastern Shore of Maryland her entire life. Her local knowledge and connections make her an expert in the area. Lona has a Despite the uptick in programs and regulations, representatives reputation for putting her clients needs first, which she believe is at from local organizations say there is still work to be done. the heart of her success. Providing customer service with honesty “Plastic bans are terrific, [but] it’s one slice of the whole and integrity is important to her. She also understands that buying environmental pie,” said Frank DiGialleonardo, Corsica River and selling a home is more than just a transaction: it is a life changing Conservancy president. “The Eastern Shore is a wonderful place experience. to live, and a lot more people are coming to that conclusion. We face a major challenge in terms of dealing with population increase and the pressure that puts on our environment and natural resources.” Still, environmental leaders are proud of the increased TAYLOR PROPERTIES awareness and feel that their programs are receiving much 410-310-0222 • 800-913-4326 positive feedback. Plastic Free QAC has gotten calls from www.realtorlona.com national organizations about their work in the area, Shelley said. @realtorlona “It’s wonderful,” she said. “I get calls, I get emails [about the initiatives]. There’s a national organization called Beyond Plastic... they’re considering getting the word out to their constituents about the programs we’re doing. It’s a very important part of what we do and we’re all very proud to live here.”
EASTERN SHORE REAL ESTATE
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Specialist
Lona Sue Todd, GRI