County to Lead Fight Against Plastic Pollution

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Monroe County officials issued warning against rising plastic pollution and highlighted the immediate need for a systemic change in dealing with the crisis.

The Monroe County Health Department, in partnership with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary community will host a public forum to discuss the issue and explore potential solutions beyond recycling. The event is being held as part of the ongoing campaign by the community against plastics.

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The County has not been able to effectively address the plastic pollution crisis, despite making significant investment in recycling infrastructure over the past several years. The overflowing recycling bins and significantly lower recycling rate demonstrates the inefficacy or recycling as the sole solution.

The forum will focus on the need for reducing plastics production at the source. The legislations should ensure that producers are held environmentally or financially responsible. By making producers accountable, the County leaders hope that a sustainable solution may be developed at the earliest.

The Health Department expects that the local actions such as educational events and campaigns against plastic may inspire other communities to accelerate their fight against plastic pollution.