Finance and Administration News
Businesses comply with plastic bag ban
An Athens city ordinance to restrict the use of plastic bags in restaurants and businesses went into effect Jan. 1.
Athens City Council passed the ordinance April 3, 2023 according to a previous Post report.
Councilmember Alan Swank, D-4th Ward, said every establishment he has visited since the ordinance went into effect has been using alternatives to plastic bags.
“CVS, Seaman’s, Kroger, Walmart, Aldi, Kindred Market, College Book Store, Ace Hardware; Those are all places that are using regular old paper bags,” he said.
Swank said before the ordinance passed, there were some objections to switching from single-use plastic bags, and he said he expected there to be pushback. With the ordinance in effect, he said he thinks people are already starting to acclimate to the new rule.
Eco-friendly future: Celebrating benefits of Athens’ plastic bag ban
With the new year came a new wave of sustainability in Athens. Residents and students can be spotted walking out of grocery stores and retail shops holding reusable tote bags or brown paper bags, but no single-use plastic bags are in sight.
The city of Athens officially implemented a single-use plastic bag ban Jan. 1. An ordinance to reduce single-use plastic was introduced by council member Alan Swank and passed unanimously May 1, 2023.
State of Ohio minimum wage rate increases Jan. 1
Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Ohio for non-tipped employees will increase to $10.45 per hour.
President Gonzalez shares important Winter Closure Policy change
Winter break closure will simply include three holidays and three days paid by the University.