New logo signals support for plastic reduction in Groton
Groton — When Mystic artist Lisa Hill walks on the beach, she sees how much plastic washes ashore and pitches in to help pick up trash.
She now has stepped up to raise awareness by designing a logo intended to show support for local businesses using less plastic.
“It’s a cause I believe in,” Hill said.
Hill's pen-and-ink drawing features a seagull, crab, turtle, starfish, and other creatures inside a heart. Businesses can display stickers with the logo to show their support for reducing plastics.
Groton Conservation Advocates, Groton Conservation Commission, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, and the Town of Groton are partnering on the initiative to raise awareness and appreciation for the environment. They hope to create more consciousness about plastic waste, whether it comes from nips, bottles, or straws, said Groton Conservation Commission member Kristin Distante, who approached Hill about designing the logo.
The initiative grew out of the Town of Groton’s plastic reduction ordinance, which went into effect last year and banned plastic carryout bags, plastic stirrers and polystyrene food containers, as well as plastic straws unless requested by a customer.
The idea was to provide stickers for free to businesses that are complying with the ordinance and are showing their commitment to removing plastic from their stock and replacing it with more environmentally friendly materials, said Eugenia Villagra, co-chair of the Groton Conservation Advocates.
Bruce Flax, executive director of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber decided to support the initiative when approached and liked that it was a voluntary effort in which businesses can choose whether they want to display the sticker. He said he doesn’t see any downside.
“I think from a business standpoint, for those people in the community and tourists who come who are concerned with the environment, it’s a nice way to let them know that the business itself cares so I think it’s a good badge to have on your store,” Flax said.
Deborah Kollmeyer and her husband opened Adore on West Main Street in downtown Mystic about four years ago, and the store is participating in the initiative. The store has never used plastic bags, and instead has bags made from recycled paper. She said she is a huge advocate of plastic reduction across the world and would love to see more global action, but anything any town or city does is going to help.
“I just think it helps give awareness that Groton is very aware of plastic and not using plastic,” she said.
She said Groton’s initiatives, along with the statewide ban on plastic bags that went into effect Thursday, helps raise needed awareness.
“We know that there are people who care about their plastic use, and we’re happy to have some type of a beacon to let people know that we also care,” added Stephanie Marshall, who owns, with her husband, Hang the Moon, Trove and Tidal River Clothing in downtown Mystic.
There also have been discussions about including Stonington in the initiative.
While the stickers have been donated to businesses supporting plastic reduction, those who want to show their support for plastic reduction can also purchase a sticker for $5. Proceeds will benefit open space and environmental advocacy.
To purchase stickers, send a check to Groton Conservation Advocates, 76 Riverview Avenue, Noank, CT 06340, noting the return address.
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