Is it too late to nip this problem in the bud? Let me rephrase that: We have a NIP problem, Bud.
When was the last time you went for a walk and took a look at the ground? There seems to be an epidemic on the Cape and it’s a preventable problem: Nip bottles are EVERYWHERE!
In case you aren’t sure, a “nip” or “miniature” is a small bottle of a spirit, liqueur or other alcoholic beverage. Their contents, typically 50 ml, are intended to comprise an individual serving. Generally you find them in hotel minibars or on airplanes. You can also find them at the cash register of most package stores as impulse buys.
And once emptied, you find them in parking lots, bike paths, playgrounds and on the side of roadways.
There are several “clean-up” events across the Cape in the coming weeks and I’d like to invite you to join in. The next time you go for a walk, bring a baggie with you and collect every nip bottle you come across.
Last week, as I was walking my dogs, I counted over a dozen in a ¼-mile loop of my family-friendly neighborhood.
WARNING: I AM GOING TO TALK POLITICS AND LEGISLATION….
So what’s the solution? State Representative Randy Hunt from Sandwich has proposed an act promoting the proper disposal of miniatures (H.3528), which adds nip bottles to the five-cent bottle deposit law. This bill does not create a new tax. The five cents is a refundable deposit on nips bottles – the same as already exists for carbonated soft drinks, beer, malt beverages and sparkling waters.
If you recall, adding the five-cent deposit on cans and bottles (way back in 1982) significantly reduced the amount of bottles and cans left scattered in parking lots and alongside roadways. I know people who collect cans and bottles for a little extra cash – and it does add up! In fact, I know a local singer who funded an entire EP by collecting and returning cans and bottles! Here name is Grace Morrison and the CD is wonderful!
How can you help? You can reach out to Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez, chair of the state legislature’s House Committee on Ways and Means, and ask him to have the committee release An Act Promoting the Proper Disposal of Miniatures (H.3528) for a vote by the House of Representatives.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-722-2990
You can also sign an ONLINE PETITION HERE
Of course, the other option is do nothing and simply watch the little plastic bottle build up and eventually end up clogging our storm drains and wash out to sea, where they create a much larger problem.
Comments or concerns? Email me: [email protected]
About Cat Wilson
