I spend countless hours volunteering my time to clean up litter around the city of Sioux Falls. I witness firsthand the aftermath of our reliance on single-use plastics: plastic bags caught in trees, scattered along sidewalks, and polluting spaces they don’t belong in. This issue hits close to home because I’m not just talking about it; I’m actively out there making a difference. Unfortunately, the prevalence of single-use plastic bags is a recurring theme in the litter I collect, making up a significant portion of the waste left behind. They've become a persistent problem, contributing to environmental degradation and an unsightly urban landscape in Sioux Falls. Yet, I've also seen the power of change. When communities come together with determination, we can restore our spaces and keep them clean and beautiful. We are calling on local businesses and leaders in Sioux Falls to take action by reducing or eliminating single-use plastic bags and promoting the use of reusable alternatives. There is significant precedent for this change across various cities worldwide that have successfully reduced plastic waste through similar measures. Implementing a ban or a levy on plastic bags can substantially decrease their presence in our environment. Countries like Ireland and cities like San Francisco have demonstrated that policies aimed at reducing plastic bag usage lead to positive outcomes. In Ireland, for instance, a levy led to a 90% reduction in plastic bag use since its inception in 2002. Furthermore, by encouraging more businesses to offer incentives for customers who bring their own bags or providing affordable, sustainable alternatives, we can foster a culture that values the environment in Sioux Falls. This petition is about invoking change that benefits our communities, our environment, and future generations. We can set an example for others to follow, demonstrating that a cleaner, greener Sioux Falls is not just a possibility; it's an attainable reality. We urge local officials, business owners, and community leaders to consider the impact of single-use plastics and push for policies that promote sustainability. Please join me in this effort to protect our city and ultimately, our planet. Sign this petition to support the reduction of plastic bag usage in Sioux Falls and advocate for necessary changes to protect our community and environment.