climate change

The Democratic National Committee had warned Governor Inslee that he’d be excluded from future debates if he participated in a non-DNC-sanctioned climate debate. This petition calls for New Jersey's Democratic Party Chair, John Currie, to join other states in submitting a resolution to the Democratic Party's next executive board meeting to reverse the DNC's decision. The resolution calls for one of the first several Democratic presidential debates to focus on “climate change issues and solutions.” If the DNC does not sponsor such a debate, candidates will be free to participate in “any and all forums or debates” on the subject sponsored by other groups.

Many everyday paper products sold in the US contain 50-75% material sourced from old, second-growth, and sometimes virgin forests in Latin and North America. The forests that are being cut down to produce things like toilet paper and paper towels provide irreplaceable habitat for wildlife and are important absorbers of carbon dioxide, the main heat-trapping gas linked to global warming. Their removal contributes to climate change and loss of biodiversity. In addition, producing paper products from virgin sources rather than recycled material requires more water and often uses polluting chlorine-based bleach.  Those same paper products can be made from recycled paper, thus reducing our impact on existing forests, the climate, and our water systems while diverting paper waste from going into the landfill. While the comfort and softness achieved by virgin-sourced products will always make those products competitive, a rising number of consumers are looking to reduce their impact on the environment through purchasing decisions. As a Costco shopper and an advocate for the sustainable use of our natural resources, I am asking Costco Wholesale to commit to permanently carrying paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, disposable plates and cups) sourced from recycled materials in all of its stores. Costco Wholesale details it’s commitment to good land stewardship practices on it’s website. Those commitments include avoiding deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems, conserving or restoring natural ecosystems, avoiding pollution, and protecting water resources. By committing to carrying recycled paper options in it’s stores, Costco can stand by it’s commitment to the environment while continuing to offer great products to it’s members. 

Prevent the construction of a parking deck on N. 4th Street in downtown Easton. A deck at this location would destroy the historical integrity of this quaint neighborhood. The beauty of this serene, tree-lined street was already greatly diminished by the blind decision on behalf the city to make it a two-way thoroughfare to and from the freeway, introducing an unwarranted increase in heavy traffic. Once again, this is the proliferation of suburban design in a downtown area that the city officials continually embrace. These designs arose in the 1950's and repeatedly failed. In order to create a sustainable, thriving and liveable downtown, the focus has to be on pedestrian traffic and local residents. The mayor's focus is transient visitors and automobiles. This model has never ever succeeded. Presently, cities around the globe are focusing on reducing automobile traffic and its negative impact in lieu of residential growth and pedestrian safety. The focus needs to be on providing housing, and essential services such as a grocery store, hardware store, etc. for the residents so that they don't require a car to fulfill basic needs. Local residents and pedestrian traffic always lead to an increase in local business. There needs to be much more attention paid to increasing the population and catering to their needs rather than to attempt to increase the transient tourist dollars that take a toll on the environment and the quality of life of the residents. The infrastructure for an increased pedestrian community is much more environmentally and financially sustainable than the focus on cars. This parking deck would undeniably have an irreversible negative impact on downtown Easton.

Having lived in the Puget Sound region for my sixteen years of life, I take pride in my local landscape. Our community is lucky to be surrounded by lush mountains and endless water. We take pride in implementing green policies and on keeping the region pristine. At least, that's the illusion.  Every year, Washington generates tens of millions of pounds of plastic waste, and the majority ISN'T recycled. Instead, some of this plastic goes into the ocean, where it breaks down into its smaller, toxic components. These components accumulate in the tissues of wildlife and people.   This threatens the health of Puget Sound. It threatens our CRITICALLY endangered Southern Resident killer whales, and it threatens me and other youth who will inherit this region. But if we care about the well-being of our children, we should hold companies that distribute plastic accountable. One of those companies is Panda Express.  While I love the food, I no longer go to Panda Express because of the single use plastic that is generated there--and I know other customers are turned off, too. If you have ever gotten a meal at Panda Express, you know how much--a plastic container, plastic utensils, maybe a plastic bag, too. And that's just for one person. But Panda Express has over 2,000 store locations which can process up to hundreds of orders every day. Think about how much plastic could be saved if Panda Express switched to biodegradable or reusable products. Subway, Trader Joe's, Starbucks, and other major chains have pledged to cut down on their plastic distribution. Why can't Panda Express do the same?  For the health of my community and others around the world, I urge Panda Express to stop its use of disposable plastic containers and utensils and substitute them for something biodegradable or reusable. The people and wildlife of Puget Sound deserve better.