Paulene Abeyta House District 69 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
Late on Monday, the Albuquerque City Council voted 5-3 to pass a Clean and Green ordinance that will put an end to single-use plastic bags in retail. However, the ordinance allows restaurants to continue distributing single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, and Styrofoam takeout containers.
Members of Sierra Club’s Global Warming Emergency, formerly known as Global Warming Express, have been advocating for such an ordinance since the beginning of the year. They expressed concerns about the proliferation of single-use plastics, which create microplastic and nanoplastic pollution that could pose health risks and harm wildlife.
Councilor Ken Sanchez introduced an amendment exempting restaurants from certain restrictions. This decision has allowed the continued distribution of plastic straws and Styrofoam takeout containers.
Several young members of Global Warming Emergency shared their thoughts on the council's decision:
“I feel like it’s a step towards a better Albuquerque… it can be known as the land of enchantment, not the land of trash,” said Alex, age 10.
Athena, age 8, stated: “I’m glad that the plastic-bag part passed, but I’m surprised straws didn’t pass because straws are plastic and they’re too small to recycle. I’m going to come back next year and ask for straws and styrofoam.”
Adrian, age 10, remarked: “It’s really exciting to see the plastic bag part of the ordinance passed. It’s a step to cleaning up Albuquerque and making it better for kids. Hopefully we get straws and styrofoam passed next.”
Liam, age 10, commented: “I’m feeling good about what passed so far… but styrofoam breaks into so many microplastics; it travels to our soils and waters. I want to continue working on that next.”
Suki, age 9, added: “I’m glad that we were able to get part of it passed but a little upset and will definitely keep pushing to ban straws and styrofoam.”
Finally, Sage, age 9 expressed frustration: “I’m glad they banned plastic bags but I don’t get why they didn’t ban plastic straws. I feel frustrated!”
