The prevalence of single use plastics and the pollution it causes is a global issue in which every community needs to take responsibility. Between 2010 and 2018, Wasilla, Kodiak, Unalaska, Cordova, Bethel and Palmer prohibited future distribution of disposable single–use shopping bags, polystyrene foam food containers. Other states across the nation have prohibited the use of plastic straws and cutlery.
As a capital city, Juneau must take steps to support progressive environmental choices of communities statewide, nationally and globally. Juneau must strive to decrease the use of plastics, especially with changing policies regarding imports of recycling materials in China and other countries. With an inability to follow the adequate standards of the biggest market for recycling, most of it will end up in a land fill further exacerbating our negative impact on the environment. With proper waste management, support from citizens, local businesses and legislature, each community has the potential to step in and make choices that would benefit the environment, wildlife, our health and future generations.
