East Bay Times Letters to the Editor for July 28, 2024
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Microplastics have been found in about 80% of all humans. The main factor contributing to this is plastic pollution due to the inability of plastic to break down. One of the most common forms of plastic pollution comes from plastic grocery bags.
Plastic pollution threatens the environment and wildlife, as well as the health of humans. Another big issue is the contribution to climate change due to the production and disposal process of single-use plastics. Climate change will create irreversible damage if we do not take action by the year 2030.
Reversing the effect of climate change while there is still time is a very urgent issue many people are working toward. Banning plastic grocery bags is one of the first and most important steps to achieve this goal.
Luca WhiteOakland
I’m writing to express my strong support for California Senate Bill 1053, which aims to strengthen our state’s plastic bag ban by prohibiting reusable bags made from plastic film at point of sale.
While the original bag ban was a step in the right direction, it left a loophole that allowed for thicker plastic bags to be sold as “reusable.” These bags often end up in landfills or our environment, defeating the purpose of the ban.
SB 1053 closes this loophole, pushing retailers and consumers toward truly sustainable options like paper bags. This move will significantly reduce plastic waste, protecting our oceans, wildlife and ecosystems.
Some may argue this change inconveniences shoppers, but the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh any short-term adjustments. As Californians, we pride ourselves on environmental leadership. By supporting SB 1053, we set a precedent for the nation in our fight against plastic pollution.
Kyle ChoAlameda
Amazon packaging has become a big and ongoing problem for our environment. They have been increasing the amount of plastic waste in the world.
It might seem that their packaging can be recycled but that is unfortunately not the case. They have claimed that it can be recycled by taking it to drop-off locations like grocery stores which most people do not do. Even if people were to put the effort into taking it to a drop-off location, the plastic would end up in landfills. After ending up in the landfill, it is then broken down into micro-plastics, which harm the environment and our health.
Amazon must be held accountable for its ongoing plastic waste and environmental harm. The public has to demand that Amazon change the amount of plastic they use and shift to recyclable packaging.
Erika PascualOakland
