Only about 9% of the plastic we use is actually recyclable. Most plastics just end up in the oceans or in landfills. Plastic is not biodegradable, it breaks down in as little as one year, resulting in the release of toxic chemicals, including BPA (bisphenol A), into the ocean. Plastic straws are non-biodegradable, meaning that it can’t be naturally broken down by decomposers. Straws also aren’t accepted by recycling facilities because they can jam recycling machinery, due to their small size. Thus, plastic straws can’t be recycled. We need to start with a single-use plastic ban, this is why I am petitioning for the state of Arizona to ban the use of disposable plastic straws. Disposable straws contribute 2,000 tons of plastic, and straws account for 4% of the number of pieces of plastic waste in marine environments. The most notable benefit is reduced death and injury to wildlife due to choking or internal injury resulting from the consumption of plastic straws. When animals ingest plastic, it clogs up their digestive systems, which can easily choke or kill animals like birds or sea turtles. The elimination of straws also greatly reduces environmental contamination and litter. This ban will reduce the number of plastic straws polluting the ocean.