Over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used/disposed of every single day. Plastic straws are NOT recyclable; that means 182,500,000,000,000 straws become waste  every single year. This petition is calling for the city of Northampton, Massachusetts to implement an ordinance that bans the use or sale of plastic straws in all Northampton eateries and stores. This petition will encourage businesses/stores to use biodegradable alternatives or reusable glass/bamboo/stainless steel straws. Plastic straws are used for minutes but remain forever. Why are plastic straws a threat to our health, water, food, economy and ecosystems?

PLASTIC NEVER GOES AWAY
Plastic cannot biodegrade, it simply breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. Even with recycling, 72% of global plastics produced become landfill and pollution. Current methods for disposal and reuse of polymer materials are inefficient and do not discourage the production of virgin plastic products. Plastic is not a material the earth can break down. 

PLASTIC AFFECTS OUR HEALTH
Chemicals leached from plastics are in the blood and tissue of every single human. Tests demonstrate these toxins are present in fetuses and newborns. High levels of exposure can lead to cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity and endocrine disruption. 

PLASTIC POISONS OUR GROUND WATER
The landfills across the globe emit plastic leachate that is full of toxic by-products. This liquid solution seeps into our ground water and flows into our drinking aquifers  springs, streams, rivers and eventually oceans. This water is detrimental to our heath. 

PLASTIC POISONS OUR FOOD
Toxic water absorbed by plants displaces the nutritive value. The toxins are transferred up the food chain through the water cycle and absorbed in fruits/vegetables and animal feed. Marine life is greatly affected by the toxins in plastics. Plankton, a cornerstone species, are eating micro plastics, which jeopardizes the entire marine food chain. Thus the sea food, fresh water fish, poultry, beef, and fruits/vegetables we eat are contaminated. 

PLASTIC THREATENS OUR WILDLIFE
Entanglement, ingestion, habitat disruption all result from plastic ending up in spaces where animals live. Animals digest plastic or get caught in plastic which eventually leads to their death. Severe plastic build up causes interruptions in migration patterns or prohibits wildlife to accessing food. 

PLASTIC THREATENS OUR ECONOMY
The presence of plastic deters tourism, recreation and business. Fisheries, beaches, cities and other industries spend a tremendous amount of money trying to mitigate the continuous environmental and social damage of plastics. 

Please sign this petition to show your support! This ordinance will make Northampton a leader in the coalition against plastic.

Information above was provided by plasticpollutioncoalition.org