Single-use plastics are a hazard to birds. This bill will reduce the problem.
Like many birds that live near the water, Ospreys are vulnerable to plastic debris. Photo courtesy of William Canosa.
February 21, 2023 — Connecticut’s waters are awash in plastics, putting birds and other wildlife at risk. A bill before the General Assembly would help.
Below is testimony that we submitted last week in favor of House Bill 6606. The key sentences are, “Given our mission to protect birds, wildlife and their habitats, we generally support measures to reduce the use of plastics, which present an increasingly grave threat to the global environment. This particular bill, which targets certain widely-used polystyrene products, we believe to be of the utmost importance.”
As the legislative session moves along, we might need you to speak out in favor of this bill.
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Testimony of The Connecticut Audubon Society regarding H.B. No.6606 An ACT Concerning the Use of Certain Products Made from Polystyrene
The Connecticut Audubon Society thanks the Committee and the sponsors of H.B. No.6606 (RAISED) “An ACT Concerning the Use of Certain Products Made from Polystyrene” for proposing this resolution and for offering us the opportunity to express our strong support. Given our mission to protect birds, wildlife and their habitats, we generally support measures to reduce the use of plastics, which present an increasingly grave threat to the global environment. This particular bill, which targets certain widely-used polystyrene products, we believe to be of the utmost importance.
Single-use polystyrene products are typically not recyclable nor are they biodegradable. They persist on seashores, in waterways, oceans and other locations for many, many years after being discarded by the consumer. Here on the shores of Long Island Sound, we battle this waste along with the other marine debris that washes up with every tide. It endangers nesting shorebirds, fish and marine life, and pollutes Connecticut’s pristine seaside landscapes.
Polystyrene breaks apart easily into small pieces of foam that are particularly difficult to remove from land and water. These fragments are ingested by wildlife, sometimes causing starvation and/or poisoning. Indeed, they pose health risks to humans when they enter our water and airways and food chain because of certain carcinogenic components that they contain.
There are viable alternatives to polystyrene for single-use school lunch trays, take-out cups and food containers, some adopted already by responsible businesses in Connecticut. Eight states have laws in place restricting polystyrene use.
We urge you to pass this bill. Thank you so much for the opportunity to provide input to this important proposal today.
