Every day, people in New Brunswick enjoy meals from fast food restaurants. These meals often come with plastic containers, cups, lids, straws, and utensils that are used once and then thrown away. This practice adds to the growing problem of plastic waste in our communities.

These single-use plastics take hundreds of years to decompose. They fill up our landfills, litter our streets, and pollute our rivers and oceans. Wildlife often mistake plastic for food, leading to injury or death. Additionally, as plastics break down into microplastics, they enter our food and water, posing health risks to humans.

If we continue this way, the environmental and health issues will only get worse. However, if fast food restaurants switch to sustainable alternatives, we can reduce plastic waste, protect wildlife, and promote public health. Many businesses have already made positive changes, showing that it is possible to serve food in environmentally friendly ways.

Now is the time to act. Public awareness about plastic pollution is increasing, and consumers are seeking sustainable choices. Fast food restaurants have the opportunity to lead by example and meet this demand. Immediate action will benefit the environment and enhance the reputation of businesses that choose to be responsible and forward-thinking.

We, the undersigned, call upon fast food restaurants to:

• Stop using single-use plastics and switch to compostable or reusable alternatives.

• Encourage customers to bring their own reusable containers and utensils by offering incentives.

• Set up effective recycling programs within their restaurants.

• Educate customers about the impact of plastic waste and the benefits of sustainable practices.

By taking these steps, fast food restaurants can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment for future generations.