Delaware said “Enough Is Enough,” and we agree!

So, beginning New Year’s in line with the State of Delaware’s recommendations, First State Compassion has voluntarily stopped using all plastic carry-out/drive-up packaging and started using only recyclable and renewable paper bags. “Nearly 2,400 tons of plastic bags end up in our landfills annually,” according to DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin.

That was all we needed to hear to make a change at all our locations. So, effective January 1, 2021, in line with the State of Delaware’s recommendations, First State Compassion has voluntarily stopped using all plastic carry-out/drive-up packaging and started using only recyclable and renewable paper bags.

This is part of a larger national drive to reduce plastic trash from the environment:

• Americans use, and dispose of, more than 100 billion free carry-out plastic bags each year. Of those 100 billion, only 1 to 2% are ever recycled.
• The remaining 97 billion unrecyclable plastic bags end up clogging waterways, filling our dumps, and getting caught in our trees. One million sea birds and 100,000 mammals die each year from ocean litter, of which plastic is the largest source.

Like many other small businesses in Delaware, FSC is entirely exempt from this new law because of our current size. So, why did we decide to make the switch anyway? For one, we wanted to show some love for our beautiful Delaware communities from Rockford Park to Lewes Beach and beyond. Secondly, we’re proud of having pioneered Delaware’s medical marijuana industry, and we hope to again help lead the way as more businesses switch from plastic to recyclable bags.

And, by the way, you can also join this effort by switching to recyclable bags at home or by reducing your use of plastic bags. Everything helps.

Thank you, Mark