Dear Editor:

The state of Maine is such a beautiful place to live. With a lower population there are more opportunities to explore all the coast, mountains, and the woods. We as a state are so good at protecting the environment. I'm so glad that I live in a place like this. Not many people get to have that. We have already banned plastic cups and bags, and styrofoam, but we need to ban plastic straws. 

The problem I am trying to solve is the pollution of single use plastics all around Maine because we can drastically move the environment in a positive way. It can take plastic anywhere from 20-500 years to biodegrade. The thing is that they really never disappear. They just turn into micro plastics and still will pollute the earth. Between 437 million to 8.3 billion plastic straws on coastlines around the world. 

Plastic straws cause a lot of trouble for the little convenience they bring. Their production emits carbon dioxide equivalent to millions of cars. Their usage poses health risks through chemical leaching. Finally their disposal contributes to landfills, incineration, and ocean pollution.

A solution for this is to use wheat or reed straws and also biodegradable plastic straws/lids. $66 can get you 3,000 wheat straws. Wheat straws don’t get soggy and are single use. They can be used for soft drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, and cocktails. Wheat straws are 100% natural and grow on land, mostly at farms. The advantages of bioplastic are reduced use of fossil fuel resources, a smaller carbon footprint, and faster decomposition.

As stated earlier I think that if you go to a fast food restaurant don't get plastic straws. Also, in general try to avoid using excess plastic like straws or lids. Only use them or take them when necessary.

Ford Harris

6th Grade Student and Southport resident

The Center for Teaching and Learning, Edgecomb