by Dr. Lenore Tedesco

This summer, I wrote about the sea of plastic and its impact on marine life. I spent a lot of time working with the Boroughs to craft appropriate ordinance language and educate the councils on the issues. I also challenged everyone to do something about it by finding ways to reduce, reuse and recycle in our daily lives.

Great news! This fall, both Avalon and Stone Harbor passed ordinances to ban single use plastic bags, Styrofoam and plastic straws. There are also provisions to make disposable food service products like take out containers, forks, spoons, and knives more environmentally friendly as well. The ordinances take effect next spring ahead of the next busy season but also give merchants time to shift their inventory and select new products that they need to conduct business. 7 Mile is rapidly becoming an ocean-friendly island and with all of our participation, we can make a difference.