Hillsborough County and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) are inviting residents and business owners to join in the worldwide movement to reduce waste from single-use plastics.
According to the Ocean Conservancy, six of the top 10 contributors to marine debris are single-use, or disposable, plastic products, which include common food service ware, such as food and beverage container caps and lids; beverage bottles; plastic bags; food wrappers; cups, plates and cutler; and drinking straws.
When these items are littered, or caught by the wind, they can be washed into stormwater drains that empty into streams, rivers, bays and other water bodies.
The partnership between Hillsborough County and KTBB has launched a community education initiative to inform residents, visitors and businesses about the environmental impacts of single-use plastic products and ways to combat the problem.
Individuals can show their support for ending plastic pollution by taking an online pledge to do one or more simple actions, including:
- Taking reusable shopping bags to stores
- Skipping plastic straws
- Carrying a reusable cup, mug or water bottle
- Using reusable takeout containers
- Raising awareness by sharing tips on social media
Businesses can be recognized as a Businesses for the Bay partner by sharing what they are doing, or pledge to do, to reduce the use of single-use plastics; and, as partners also have access to educational materials for their customers. There is no cost to participate.
New online resources can be found at ReduceYourUseTampaBay.org.
To learn more about the Ocean Conservancy and its mission, visit OceanConservancy.org.
Published May 08, 2019
