Another New England Town Bans Single-Use Water Bottles

Great Barrington, Massachusetts is following in the footsteps of two other Bay State communities. According to the Associated Press, Great Barrington, which is located in Berkshire County, joins Concord and Sudbury, Mass in banning the sale of single-use bottles of water.

The ban, which town meeting voters approved earlier this week, effects bottles that are 1.5 liters or smaller.

Opponents of the ban include local store owners who say it will hurt their business and another opponent suggested better recycling efforts.

The Berkshire Eagle reports the Environment Committee of the Berkshire Women's Action Group proposed the ban with exceptions for emergencies. The group has waged a campaign since last fall, saying beverage companies are often selling municipal water that is not necessarily as safe as local tap water. Proponents of the ban also said the bottles lead to litter. The ban also drew the support of several Monument Mountain Regional High School students.