I’m a long-time resident of Utica, NY, and like many in our community, I am feeling the financial strain of unnecessary expenses. Each week, I am forced to purchase single-use plastic trash bags. On top of my basic needs like food and rent, these additional costs add up, leaving little room to breathe financially. It's frustrating to waste money on plastic that not only hits our wallets but also significantly contributes to the broader issue of plastic pollution that affects our environment and our health.

Plastic pollution is a growing epidemic that endangers wildlife and leeches toxins into our ecosystem. In the United States alone, only about 9% of plastic waste ever gets recycled, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This statistic is a drop in the bucket when you consider the 35 million tons of plastic waste generated annually. Our own city of Utica can set an example by tackling this issue head-on.

We are proposing a simple, sustainable solution: requiring the city of Utica to provide reusable trash bins to every household. Many cities around the country have already implemented similar measures to great success. Reusable trash bins not only reduce household expenses but also cut down on the overall consumption of plastic. By making this change, Utica can lead the way in promoting sustainability and responsible waste management.

Think about the positive impact this would have—not only financially but environmentally as well. Our community deserves to breathe clean air, have safer lands, and thrive without the unnecessary burden of plastic waste.

I urge you, residents of Utica and supporters of a greener future, to sign this petition. Let’s demand that our city leaders prioritize sustainable solutions starting with a switch to reusable trash bins. Your voice, joined with mine and others, can spark the change that benefits us all. Sign this petition to make a meaningful difference in our community and our planet.