We, the staff and students of Howe Sound Secondary, urge you to ban the use of single-use plastic in Squamish. We are deeply concerned about the legacy our plastic habits are having on the environment, wasting space in our landfill and polluting our oceans. These synthetic, petrochemical-based plastics that we use today will be around on our planet for centuries after we are gone. We do not want to leave this kind of toxic legacy in Squamish.
Instead, we imagine our community, the outdoor recreation capital that is “hardwired for adventure” can be an environmental protector and leader. We would like to see the end to plastic shopping bags, plastic single-use drink containers and plastic and styrofoam (a form of plastic) takeout containers. Ideally, it would be great if everyone brought their own bag, mug or container, but we feel paper-based products are a reasonable substitute. With our local compost and recycling program, paper products are easily diverted from our waste stream and minimize our impact on our environment.
We want to live in a sustainable Squamish that respects the beautiful place that we call home.
Kathy Cormack (Howe Sound Secondary Eco Club sponsor teacher) and 522 additional signatures
