BY JOHN RAMON VIGIL
Mayor
City of Española
The debate over banning single-use plastic bags is not just a matter of environmental concern—it’s a practical, necessary step to combat the growing litter issue in our Valley. A significant portion of this litter is caused by the unhoused and unsheltered population, who often use these bags for temporary shelter or bedding. While this is understandable given their circumstances, the unfortunate result is that our streets, parks, and neighborhoods are becoming overwhelmed with discarded plastic bags, contributing to an already rampant trash problem.
What’s especially disheartening is that many of the opponents of this ban—some of whom are members or former members of our City’s Governing Body—have never actively participated in community cleanups. They fail to see firsthand the accumulation of trash that those of us involved in these efforts witness daily. It’s a case of “out of sight, out of mind.” These officials may claim to have the best interests of the community at heart, but their lack of involvement shows a disconnect between their political stance and the reality of what’s happening in our neighborhoods. Their failure to realize and discuss initiatives like the single-use plastic bag ban demonstrates a lack of understanding of the very real impact litter has on property values, public spaces, and the overall beautification of our Valley. Just recently the city manager and I took a cruise through Santo Niño and discovered a multitude of smaller encampments from the unhoused population set up on the traditional lands of Santa Clara Pueblo. The massive amount of trash found was plastic bags that the unhoused population uses to carry their belongings around.
Courtesy photo
As public servants, it is our duty to be in touch with the community we serve—not just from behind the desk but by actively engaging in efforts to improve it. The trash and refuse that build up in areas away from the main roads go unseen by those who never take the time to explore the less visible parts of our city. But for those of us who participate in cleanups or live in these areas, the effects are completely undeniable. Our streets are littered with so much trash and refuse primarily caused by the unhoused population, affecting not only the aesthetic value but also the environmental health and safety of our neighborhoods.
Opponents of the ban argue that it’s an unnecessary restriction, or worse, that it punishes individuals who need access to inexpensive bags. But this argument overlooks the larger issue. This isn’t just about making life a little less convenient; it’s about taking a meaningful step toward addressing the growing trash problem that’s affecting everyone. It’s not about adding a tax or creating another hurdle for residents. It’s about removing a major source of litter that’s polluting our community and dragging down its appearance and value. We need to take action, not sit idly by while the issue worsens.
Our community cannot afford to keep postponing action. Banning single-use plastic bags isn’t the ultimate solution to the litter problem, but it’s a step in the right direction. It signals a commitment to cleaning up our streets, holding people accountable, and ensuring that our community is a clean, healthy place for all of us. Rather than allowing these issues to gather dust on a political shelf, it’s time to confront them head-on. For the sake of our community’s future, we need to take action now.
John Ramon Vigil is the mayor of the City of Española and has been a steadfast volunteer with Española Clean Up Days since 2009.