EDITOR,
I'd like to propose that Squamish implement a ban on single-use plastic bags.
Single-use plastic bags present a great threat to our environment on multiple levels. They often wind up in waterways or on the landscape, becoming eyesores and degrading water and soil as they break down into tiny toxic bits. Their manufacture, transport and disposal use large quantities of non-renewable resources and release equally large amounts of global-warming gases. Ecologically, hundreds of thousands of marine animals die every year when they eat plastic bags mistaken for food.?
This is especially relevant in Squamish since we are located right on the ocean and the winds consistently blow these plastic bags around town and into nature, near eagles, salmon, birds, seals, etc.
These problems can be mitigated by simply advocating, and legislating the consumption of fewer plastic bags and the use of reusable and biodegradable ones.
Many other countries, cities and counties haven banned single-use plastic bags: Ireland, Italy, Samoa, L.A. County, parts of Australia and Texas and more.
Not only would Squamish benefit from an environmental standpoint, but banning plastic bags would align with our community values of sustainability, respect for nature and outdoor recreation. Tourism could also benefit, as it positions the town as innovative and forward thinking.
What are we waiting for?
K. Brix
Squamish
