Massachusetts to ban purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies
Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order Thursday that she says will make Massachusetts the first state to ban the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies BOSTON -- Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order Thursday that she says will make Massachusetts the first state to ban the purchase of single- use plastic bottles by state agencies . Massachusetts buys about 100,000 of the plastic water bottles each year. The order bars all executive offices and agencies in Massachusetts from purchasing any single-use plastic bottles under 21 fluid ounces except in cases of emergency. Healey, a Democrat, said the executive order takes effect immediately. Healey also signed a second executive order that she said will set state biodiversity conservation goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050 — and develop strategies to meet those targets. She said protections will be among the first to extend to coastal and marine habitats. “Massachusetts has a long history of being first in the n...