My name is Isha. I am a high school student concerned about what current adults are doing to pollute the planet for future adults. 

Millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, breaking down into tiny pieces ingested by animals, eventually polluting wildlife like the CRITICALLY ENDANGERED Southern Resident killer whales in my home state of Washington.

Not to mention health effects on humans that remain largely unknown, though we do know enough to expect that there are plastic chemicals in the water I drink and the water my children will drink. And if that wasn't enough, single use plastic contributes to climate change. 

Reasonably, many customers are turned off by businesses that give out single use plastic. The only problem is that it's hard to make an impact through individual action. 

That's why I'm asking Darden Restaurants - Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Longhorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, and Eddie V's - to stop giving out single use plastics and replace them with something biodegradable or reusable. 

Darden won't be alone. There is a rising tide of customers who are looking for something better. Because of this, other major food chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway have pledged to cut down their single use plastic distribution - why can't Darden Restaurants? I encourage them to take this opportunity to benefit the planet and elevate their image. 

Darden can help secure a future in which future generations don't suffer from the health consequences, and in which Washington's Southern Resident killer whales are healthy and thriving. The only question is, will they?