Letter to a legislator by Macyn Chrapko

Dear Senator, Stabenow

I love going on vacations to the ocean. I do not live near an ocean so when I go I like to see the clear water, and the pretty sea life. And I bet you other people like seeing the clear blue waters too. Every time I go there is dead fish all over the place and the water is extremely dirty. In addition, there is also always plastic in the water. There is so much plastic pollution. As a result, sea life is dying. This is why plastic is a huge problem in our oceans, and we need to stop it by making laws to reduce one-use of plastic and use other resources besides plastic.

People are throwing plastic debris in the garbage or even outside. All of that plastic ends up in our oceans. Therefore, it is endangering sea life. “Scientists think that 8.8 million tons of plastic winds up in the ocean every year” (“Plastic Pollution”) Every time more and more plastic ends up in it kills more marine animals “Over 700 marine life has been reported to have eaten or been entangled in plastic” (“Plastic pollution”). When the animals die the waters get worse and we will not have all of our resources.

You need to make laws to use less plastic, so we will still have our oceans. If we use less 1 use plastic so our sea life will stop dying. “Sala says people have become too comfortable with single-use plastics that they don't need. Experts are encouraging people to look at alternatives like canvas bags and glass, metal or paper straws.” (“In Thailand, 17 Pounds of Plastic Kills Whale, Highlighting Ocean Pollution”)

If we make laws to reduce single-use plastic people won't be throwing them into the oceans. “Law also recommends asking restaurants to stop using polystyrene foam containers. These break up quickly and are not recyclable. Talk to friends and parents about the problems of plastic, and pick up litter when you see it.” (“Tiny plastic, Big Problem”) Using resources that break up easily will help our sea life and our Earth, single use plastic does not break up and floats in our ocean for years. This is why making laws to stop plastic pollution is a good idea.

I know you love seeing the clear oceans, as much as I do. I love seeing the pretty fish and the bright blue water. So help our oceans by making legislation to reduce single-use plastic, so our sea life will still be here in 50 years. You can save our changing oceans for everyone.

Sincerly, Macyn Chrapko

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