Banning all single-use plasticware through Senate Bill 522 is a major step to put us on the right path for going green.

The new three Rs should focus on reduce, reduce and reduce. China’s refusal to buy all our recyclables should serve as a wake-up call for everyone.

Most of our blue-bin refuse is not recycled in Hawaii. It is shipped to mainland using fossil fuels.

Some may argue the refuse can be incinerated, but who ultimately bears the cost of toxic emissions produced? Back in 2015, everyone thought banning the single-use plastic bags was the end of the world. Well, we survived.

Now is the time to stop our addiction to a throwaway culture and start adapting to the new normal. We shouldn’t wait until the point of no return.

Not doing it is simply being selfish and does not take care of our Earth.

I want to leave the Hawaii I love for future generations. We have an obligation to do this.

Karen Wong Bendtsen

Aina Haina

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