ANNAPOLIS (July 26, 2008) — The Maryland Park Service is now offering environmentally-friendly trash-free bags in all state parks for visitors use, saying the move is part of their continuing effort to create a more sustainable future for all Marylanders. Composed of bio-plastics which are derived from renewable plants such as corn or tapioca, these bags will decompose in 6 to 10 months—a much greener alternative to the standard, oil-based plastic bags previously used.
“Like all Maryland agencies and facilities, Maryland State Parks are taking action to reduce their impact on our environment and save tax-payers money,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “When park visitors use these bags to remove trash from the parks, they are helping to ensure cleaner, healthier public lands for future generations.”
Maryland State Parks remain trash-free, meaning that any materials brought into the park by visitors must also leave with them. As a courtesy, the Maryland Park Service provides bags for visitors to easily store their trash until they reach a recycling or trash receptacle outside of the park. The move to biodegradable bags is made possible with support from the Maryland Environmental Service.
For more information, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/outdooradventures/lnt.html.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)