Marin needs single-use plastic ban right now

We are seventh graders who want to let you know about a very important meeting. On Tuesday, an ordinance will be presented to the Marin Board of Supervisors banning plastic single-use foodware in the county.

The ordinance encourages restaurants to use reusable or compostable foodware. The ordinance summarizes that reusables are best, compostable fiber foodware is compliant and single-use plastics (including bioplastics) are prohibited. Reducing the amount of single-use plastic is not only vital for the oceans and marine life, but it also reduces litter in our communities and lowers the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from single-use plastic production.

COVID-19 has been hard on businesses, but the plastic they offer to customers is destroying the Earth and it needs to stop now.

Plastic can get into water systems and the ocean, where it is harmful. Plastic never decomposes. It only breaks down, becoming smaller and smaller. Killing our oceans is not worth a plastic coffee cup, plastic straw or plastic utensils that you will only use once. Having this ordinance passed in Marin is very important for our community.

What can you do? You can call the Board of Supervisors to show your support. Help local businesses understand why the ordinance is important. Bring your own straw, container, utensils and travel mug.

It's crucial to do your part, even if it feels small and unimportant. Even though banning single-use plastic utensils may seem like a small step, we think it shows that we can do so much more if we keep pushing for what we believe in, and what is important for our county, country and planet.

— Reese Patton, San Geronimo Valley, and Viola Seda,

Point Reyes Station