Usually, when rushing to class at the University of Washington, my mind races with what homework I have yet to complete, if my outfit is rain repellent enough, or if I am making it to the lecture on time. Lately, I can only think about one thing: Why is there so much litter strewn around my campus?
I see food wrappers and plastic bags that should, in theory, be easily discarded. I was quick to blame the students for the excess litter, but upon further research, I now understand that there is a more serious problem.
Companies who sell products encased in plastic continue to overwhelm the Earth and Washington’s current plastic recycling system. Even when consumers do their part and attempt to recycle, the plastic is most likely going to the landfill. Not all locations in Washington offer accessible recycling services. Eleven counties don’t offer curbside recycling services at all.
To address these issues, Washington legislators are debating the future of the Washington Recycling and Packaging Act, aka ReWRAP Act. If passed, the bill would hold companies accountable for the waste their products create and put in place incentives to reduce or use packaging that is reusable, compostable, or actually recyclable.
Hundreds of UW students have been lobbying for the bill to pass by contacting legislators, going to Olympia, and rallying their friends to take action too. Student action is vital to work towards a plastic free Washington, so notify your legislators and make change!
Emily Do
Seattle
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