Dover can do better reducing plastic waste

June 10 — To the Editor:

We have been working on a project related to single-use plastics and how we can reduce plastic waste overall in the city of Dover. We have researched about this topic for two weeks and have even collected some data that brings concern toward this issue. While one of our group members was volunteering to clean up the Dover Community Trail, data was collected regarding plastic trash that was found on the trail. The data shows that more than 343 plastic bottles, 110+ plastic bags, 58+ straws, 78+ plastic cups, 88+ plastic cutlery utensils, 208+ plastic wrappers, and vast amounts of waste items were found in the Dover Community Trail.

Plastic waste is a huge threat to the well-being of our community and we are looking for efficient ways to reduce plastic waste and find substitutes for it. It is important that we take action because humans produce 300 million tons of plastic waste, half of it being disposable. However, only 10% of plastic items are recycled. Plastics that are not biodegradable release toxic chemicals when they degrade that are beginning to find their way into our bloodstreams. This information begs the question of how we are going to deal with the issue of single use plastics in Dover? If the issue goes untreated, it will have devastating effects towards the environment and our own health. One possible way to make progress with the problem is to include recycling bins and trash cans within or around the trail. Our community as a whole should show concern to this issue, and try our best to make the world a better place.

Div Patel

Dover