Our planet is facing a significant environmental crisis, and one of the main contributors to this is plastic pollution. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems while also contributing to the broader issue of climate change. In Hawaii, a region renowned for its natural beauty and oceanic biodiversity, the threat posed by plastic is particularly dire.

Hawaii County Council Bill 83 is a county ordinance that requires businesses to switch from plastic disposable service-ware to products that are compostable or non-plastic reusables. That means that every time we have an event like this, everything we use to serve food or drinks can be collected and composted! Please join us in supporting this bill by signing our petition that will be given to the County Council at the upcoming hearing this Wednesday, November 19th, 2025.

Bill 83 offers a practical solution by seeking to ban single-use plastic food service containers. This legislation aims to reduce the amount of plastic entering our landfills and oceans, aligning with global efforts to minimize plastic pollution. By focusing on single-use plastic containers, Bill 83 targets an area where change is both necessary and achievable.

Statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled in the United States. In Hawaii, the unique geographic and ecological situation makes recycling efforts more challenging, thus heightening the importance of reducing plastic usage from the source.

Furthermore, recent studies have shown that alternatives to single-use plastics, such as biodegradable or reusable containers, are not only ethically responsible but economically viable for businesses in the long run. They provide an opportunity for local businesses to demonstrate environmental leadership while potentially reducing costs associated with waste disposal.

Support for Bill 83 is not just about preserving our environment; it's about taking a stand for future generations who deserve to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii's beaches and marine life without the blight of plastic pollution. By backing this bill, we are contributing to a collective action that speaks to our values and commitment to planetary health and as well as supporting future composting initiatives here on Hawai'i Island. The compost from these systems can then go back into our local agriculture sector to grow food locally thereby closing the loop on food waste.

We urge you to join us in supporting Hawaii County Council Bill 83. Sign this petition to show your commitment to creating a sustainable future for Hawaii, protect our planet, and inspire other communities to follow suit in the fight against plastic pollution. Your signature can make a difference. Let’s act now to safeguard our environment!