Since West Chester Borough passed legislation in 2019 banning most one-time uses of plastic bags and straws, implementation has been delayed by state claims of “pre-emption” and the Covid epidemic. However, progress has continued under the Sustainable Storefronts initiative, which asks businesses to adhere to a set of plastic-reduction principles. Those that have received the Borough’s recognition in this way so far (from the Borough’s “Single-Use Plastics” web page) are:

Congratulations to those businesses and we are hoping for many more soon! Many thanks also to WCU communications students, who as a class project are reaching out to encourage businesses to join the effort.

Here are the Borough’s criteria for recognition under Sustainable Storefronts:

Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes – Choose 3 of 5

• Use recyclable paper bags for takeout
• No plastic straws – biodegradable option by request
• No Styrofoam
• No plastic takeout containers
• 100% reusable wares for on-site dining

Retail – commit to all

• Use recyclable paper bags
• Encourage customers to BYO bags