As a high school sophomore living in the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of New York State, I've come to appreciate the natural beauty and rich resources we often take for granted. However, this harmony is frequently disrupted by the looming presence of massive tractor-trailer trucks dumping waste from various locations such as New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Their destination? The massive pits of the Ontario County Landfill in Seneca, NY and Seneca Meadows Landfill in Waterloo, NY, right in our backyard.

This is not only an economic burden on our community, which thrives on agriculture and tourism, but a glaring environmental catastrophe. These landfills detract from the very essence of what makes the Finger Lakes special, threatening our local economy, environment, and quality of life.

One effective way to combat this issue is by enacting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies. EPR shifts the responsibility of waste management back onto the manufacturers, holding them accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly when it comes to recycling and disposal. Instead of allowing companies to externalize their waste management costs, EPR requires them to financially invest in the proper disposal and recycling of their products.

Please visit my website, www.EPRFootprint.org for more information.

Globally, EPR has shown success in reducing environmental impacts from products that have reached their end of life. Countries and regions with EPR policies have seen increased recycling rates, reduced waste, and innovative approaches to product design and sustainability. By shifting the burden from municipalities and taxpayers to the producers themselves, EPR policies motivate manufacturers to create more sustainable, eco-friendly products from the outset.

New York State is uniquely positioned to lead by example and adopt legislation that mandates Extended Producer Responsibility. By doing so, we not only act as good stewards of the environment but also inspire others to follow suit, thereby igniting a wave of environmental responsibility across the nation.

We must hold manufacturers accountable and demand that they contribute financially to waste management solutions that benefit all. Let us protect the Finger Lakes — our home, our economy, and our environment — by supporting an Extended Producer Responsibility policy in New York State. Your signature can make a significant difference in preventing further degradation of our cherished regional landscape.

Please sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to introduce and adopt Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, securing a cleaner, more sustainable future for New York State.