Public school board to consider ban on one-time use plastics

Board hears from Grade 7 students at Anderdon Public School

Image | Plastic ban

Caption: Darrah Aston, Addisyn Walker and teacher Jodi Nolin address the trustees of the Greater Essex County School Board Tuesday night. (Dale Molnar CBC News)

The trustees at the Greater Essex County District School Board have asked administration to come back with a report on how to implement a ban on one-time use plastics such as straws.
The trustees heard from two Grade 7 students from Anderdon Public School at the Tuesday night meeting. The students told the trustees the ban needs to happen to protect the environment.
"I think it's important for future generations," said Darrah Aston, who, along with her friend Addisyn Walker, convinced Amherstburg town council earlier this year to implement a similar ban.
"Let's be part of the solution and not the pollution," Aston told the trustees.
"Each year over one hundred thousand marine animals die because of plastic debris in the ocean and many more are injured," Walker told the trustees.
The girls told the trustees metal straws and reusable water bottles can be the alternative.
"Harm to wildlife can be prevented by not using plastic," said Walker. "I really think that should start in our community."