Message from Eco Club | Letter from Anwen Hudson | April 2022

To Deer Isle Stonington School Board and whom it may concern, 

In today’s world, we are reliant on single-use plastics more than ever. Convenience is a luxury that too many have become accustomed to. But, convenience comes with a cost: the world is drowning in plastic waste. Plastic sits in our landfills where it will take thousands of years to break down, it terrorizes our oceans and its precious habitants, and it turns into microplastics that release toxins. Just recently, microplastics were found in the human bloodstream. We are not only living in it, but plastic is living inside of us. 

An overwhelming amount of research has proven the negative effects of plastics. According to the Environmental Health News, published in February of 2022, chemicals added to plastics are absorbed by the human body. Additionally, plastic debris ingested by marine animals can poison or even kill wildlife. These toxins are being passed along through the food chain, onto our plates. Soon, it will be considered unhealthy and dangerous to consume seafood. These are just a few effects of plastics. 

As a coastal community, we contribute to the problem by using plastics all while suffering the consequences. The only way to solve this problem is through change. We need effective leaders to make the right decisions to better our environment. The only right decision is to either eliminate our plastic use or drastically reduce the amount of plastics DISHS is using. 

Environmental challenges the world is facing is the biggest threat to the youth. The decisions adults make now need to be made for their children and grandchildren. As school board members, you hold the responsibility to make the best decisions for the students. If we want to see a difference, the narrative change starts at school. 

Sincerely, 

The Eco Club 

https://www.ehn.org/plastic-environmental-impact-2501923191/particle-7