Every day we make small decisions that contribute to the health or the decline of our planet. Today, over half of the plastic threatening to entangle, poison or choke marine life originates from land. And one of the biggest sources of that plastic is single-use bags. The plastic that doesn't end up in our oceans is sent to Oahu's (literally) overflowing landfill or to H-Power to be burned (producing a toxic ash which is a major environmental hazard). The answer is to produce less plastic waste by encouraging sustainable behavior in consumers.

Surrounded by the Pacific on all sides, Hawaii sees first-hand the harm that comes from plastic pollution as our shorelines are bombarded by marine debris, 60-80% of it composed of plastic. These bags are made from petroleum (oil), used for an average of 15 minutes, and last virtually forever as they never biodegrade but rather break into tiny pieces that fish mistake for food. Some of these toxic plastic particles then make their way up the foodchain and on to our dinner plates.

But this could be the year that Hawaii takes a stand against plastic pollution. The Hawaii State Legislature stands poised to vote on a plastic/paper bag fee bill (SB 1363) this session. You can help Hawaii pass landmark legislation that not only helps with climate change (100 billion plastic bags are used by Americans every year, equivalent to 12 million barrels of oil), but also reduces plastic pollution in our landfills and ocean. Similar bills have been passed with great success all over the globe, including Maui and Kauai counties, Washington D.C., Ireland, Italy, South Australia, and Mexico City.

Help secure a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly future for our planet by reminding industry and politicians to reduce plastic pollution. Sign the petition below to encourage our legislators to support the disposable bag fee bill (SB 1363), and help Hawaii be the first state to make a stand against plastic pollution. These bills will go before committee during the end of February 2011, so act now and spread the word.

Video credit: Bag It