Why does Delaware ignore its own laws on the environment?
Title 7 is perhaps the most influential piece of legislation ever passed in Delaware when it pertains to the environment. It is also the one most ignored by its own legislators and the state of Delaware. How does legislation become the law and is never enforced? Isn’t that breaking the law then? If plastic bags are no longer legal and paper bags must be used by retailers, why are plastic rings still used for soda, water and the like? You tell me. And that’s not all Delaware ignores when it comes to its’ own laws.
Delaware Code Title 7, conservation section 6452 is an eye opener. Sometime, just for your own cynical amusement, read Title 7. It makes for some very interesting reading. Besides plastic rings being outlawed, “the development of a program of education and promotion for statewide recycling and waste reduction” is mandated. A public relations program supported by public service announcements is required — and that is only part of what the statute calls for.
Our schools — all public and, I believe, private — are mandated to enforce environmental programs for our schools. In a previous piece I wrote — “Delaware needs comprehensive environment policy; not a band-aid approach” — I questioned why a specific amount of hours were not required to educate our children in the fine art of being nice to Mother Nature. Little did I know it was already law — a law that is being ignored. Title 7 also calls for an incentive program to encourage local and statewide recycling and waste reduction. To be fair this is being done to some degree with curbside recycling and compost containers. Another requirement is to have a program which works with the private sector.
Does this mean Delaware isn’t doing its job when it comes to the environment? Yes and no. Delaware has replaced the use of plastic bags with paper ones. Nearby states like Pennsylvania and others still use plastic bags everyday. Straws and styrofoam are the next target our local legislators are working hard at to outlaw. Of course, the beverage industry will have their say and stave off efforts to see this happen. But I believe the state will prevail.
I am encouraged by legislators and advocates from up and down Delaware who see the urgency to make our state a better place to live. Think about it. If Delaware’s air and water are cleaner don’t you think more people would want to live here? Not to mention advanced recycling and conservation efforts.
Delaware is already an attractive state to move to and live in. Real estate taxes are low, retirees are flocking to Delaware to stretch their incomes and its reputation of being business friendly all add up to one thing —a better and healthier way to live. And who doesn’t want that?
When Gov. John Carney was the lieutenant governor, he advocated for increased awareness of exercise and good eating habits for its’ citizens and youth. Governor, why don’t you complement that healthier body with a healthier environment? Since executive orders seem to be in vogue today, why don’t you abolish one trash can in public schools and make them at least two, the other for recycling?
Part of Carney’s legacy should be leading Delaware to a mega-eco system, envied by other states. It can be done and I believe it has started.
Many schools, both public and private, have started their own “green” programs. One of them is Tower Hill School in Wilmington, a shining example of how to treat our earth with kid gloves. The school encourages environmental awareness and nurtures eco-friendly outcomes.
Delaware now has a chance to be a trailblazer when it comes to healthy living. Dupont and Delaware were once synonomous with bad air and water. That is changing. Once having one of the highest cancer rates in the country due to Dupont plants and emissions, Delaware each year continues to have less health issues. Dupont’s footprint is fading away as the company’s presence in Delaware lessens.
So the next time you have nothing to do, go on the internet and read-up on Delaware’s Title 7. Now that I think about it, I wonder how many other states might be flouting their own laws? We all hope our legislators read the laws they make. Isn’t that why they’re there?
Joseph D. McCole ran for state senator in Delaware’s 1st District in 2020. He is a member of Plastics Free Delaware, a group advocating the elimination of plastic. A retired military reservist, he is a part-time educator.
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