Protecting habitat should be priority

Angela Logomasini’s commentary “Plastic bans divert attention from finding real solutions” (Wednesday) glosses over some basic facts regarding the harm caused by plastic waste in our environment.

For example, the author fails to mention the harm caused to wildlife by plastic debris. Birds ingest plastic bottle caps, and sea turtles ingest plastic bags, often resulting in the animal’s death due to starvation or internal damage.

Further, the author fails to consider that the effects of pollution are localized. It doesn’t matter what the source or composition is of the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” What matters is the amount of plastic waste that impacts the environment in Southeast Florida.

Our coastal communities are threaded with culverts, storm drains, canals and wetlands that wash storm and rainwater to the ocean. Plastic debris can reduce the ability of this tapestry of interconnected waterways to properly drain, resulting in flooding. Plastics also leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water.

Given our proximity to the water, it’s plausible that any plastic waste, including straws, plastic bottles and plastic bags, will end up in the ocean.

As an avid runner, I have collected immeasurable amounts of plastic waste from trails, preserves, streets and sidewalks in our community. To say that banning straws, bags and other consumer products is absurd ignores the unique environment in Southeast Florida, and speaks more of an agenda than a desire for honest discourse.

GREGORY BLOCK, JUPITER