Eliminating Single-Use Plastics

Emma Richards, San Fransisco, CA

Climate change is one of the major problems our society faces. As a teenager, I'm filled with fear for my future. In our current environment, we can already see the disastrous impacts of climate change, from the decreasing biodiversity, failure of crop production, and increased wildfire. In Southern California, wildfires are very prominent, and can erupt at any time, forcing families, who have built their life there, to move. I look up to youth leaders like Greta Thunberg as she utilizes her voice for change, knowing that we are running out of time to save our planet, our home.

My mission is to advocate towards a zero waste lifestyle. There are so many items we use everyday that catalyze the adverse effects of climate change, including the use of plastics. I try my best to advocate through my social media and influence my peers to avoid using single use plastic, by replacing plastic straws with metal straws, using containers instead of plastic bags, and bring your own bag to the grocery store instead of using the plastic bags they provide.