Marine animals, such as dolphins, whales and turtles, suffer from plastic bag entanglement and ingestions, often leading to death. However, plastic items are readily replaced with biodegradable options. Why make a single use item from a material that is designed to last a life-time? Many other Councils worldwide have introduced regulations prohibiting plastic bag usage (e.g. see this link for US jurisdictions, http://www.cawrecycles.org/issues/plastic_campaign/plastic_bags/national). We think there is no need for NZ to continue using these items and polluting our waters and we think Auckland Council should lead the way!
Dear Mayor Len Brown,
We, the signers of this petition, hope that you will support and advocate for our position that NZ should be plastic bag and plastic take-out container free, starting with the Auckland Super City. We want Auckland Council to put in place the appropriate regulatory restrictions to achieve this and protect our marine animals from lethal plastic ingestion or entanglement.
