To the Journal editor:

In recent years, I have become increasingly aware of the increased use of plastics, as well as the negative impacts of plastic. It is used for packaging food, beverages, cleaning supplies, cosmetics and electronic(to name a few) as well as a component in our toys, cars, dishes, clothing, shoes etc. The list is seemingly endless.

The problem is plastics do not biodegrade and contain many chemicals. Plastics pollute woods and waterways. They break into smaller and smaller pieces, and wild animals can become entangles in plastic or eat the pieces.

I notice more and more plastic garbage on our Great Lakes beaches and in our woods. Some of our congressional members have identified this problem and introduced the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act [S.3263 in the Senate/H.R. 5845 in the House].

This bill works to reduce non-recyclable plastic items and encourage the improved recovery of recyclable plastic materials. This bill works to end the health threats of pollution from petrochemical plants on communities and tasks federal agencies to develop comprehensive plans to address plastic pollution in our waterways.

This is a historic effort that will spur innovation and investments in the United States’ domestic recycling and composting infrastructure.

Please urge your senators and representatives to support this bill for people and our woods and water!

NANCY USCHOLD

Marquette