Non-biodegradable and toxic food service materials, such as plastic utensils, single-use plastic cups, polystyrene cups, and polystyrene takeout containers, pose significant threats to our ecosystem. These materials not only contain harmful chemicals detrimental to human health but also break down into micro-plastics, persisting in the ocean indefinitely. Marine life consumes these micro-plastics, leading to their incorporation into our food chain. Shockingly, the average person ingests approximately 40 pounds of plastic throughout their lifetime. Given that these plastics are derived from fossil fuels, reducing our reliance on single-use plastics is crucial for environmental preservation.

Numerous cities have already taken steps to ban such harmful products. This petition urges our city to promptly inform beachfront businesses about this ordinance, facilitate educational initiatives to underscore its importance (with assistance from organizations like Surfrider), and establish a compliance deadline.