Plastic water bottles are Earth-unfriendly and cause risks to human health from BPAs leaching into water. Encouraging the use of reusable water bottles, using water fountains and machines that dispense water is environmental sanity.

Plastic doesn’t biodegrade nor compost. Because most water bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), they break down through photodegradation into small toxic pieces.

Ten percent of water bottles, or 3.8 billion, ends up in the ocean every year as a result of being dumped in waterways. Once exposed to sunlight, breakdown of these plastics results in toxic chemicals. Plastic toxins — BPA and PS oligomers — are ingested by ocean animals.

Sushi and poke laced with tiny plastic pieces? No, thanks. The Hawaii Food Industry Association attempts to instill fear in consumers saying a plastic bottle ban will raise prices and limit residents’ access to products. I agree with state Sen. Russell Ruderman, who co-introduced Senate Bill 522. He said, “If enough places enforce similar plastic bans, then companies will adapt their own practices and switch to more sustainable packaging materials.”

Gary Harrold

Hilo

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