Absolution is just six days away for those who toss their plastic bags out with the trash. With support from the region’s 16 cities and counties, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) is declaring June 25, 2011 “Plastic Bag Forgiveness Day.” Offering residents a second chance to do right by the environment, HR Green will host special recycling events this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Peninsula Town Center in Hampton and Walmart at 7350 Tidewater Drive in Norfolk.

Residents who stop by either location and drop off five used plastic bags for recycling will receive a cool, reusable ChicoBag™ (one per person, while supplies last), along with other freebies and information on ways plastic bags can be repurposed. The special events are supported by Keep Virginia Beautiful and A Bag’s Life, a national recycling awareness campaign.

“June 25 will be a great day to start over,” said John Deuel, executive director of Keep Norfolk Beautiful and HR Green executive committee member. “We want residents to know that recycling plastic bags is as simple as taking them back to the store from which they came. It’s easy to do and yields great results when the recycled bags are repurposed into other products such as outdoor decking, park benches and even new bags.”

Last week the Executive Committee of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission signed a resolution declaring June 25 “Plastic Bag Forgiveness Day.” The resolution notes that plastic bags and wraps are made from non-renewable resources, take many years to break down and have become an unsightly addition to area waterways, roadways and public spaces.

“The resolution encourages all residents to do the right thing by practicing the 3 R’s of plastic bags: Reduce plastic bag use, reuse them and recycle them at participating stores with plastic bag recycling bins,” said Deuel.

To find the location of the nearest plastic bag drop-off site near you, visit https://www.abagslife.com/va. Both “Plastic Bag Forgiveness Day” events will feature music, giveaways and other demonstrations. For information, visit www.AskHRgreen.org.