To the editor:

In a recent Enterprise article “Plastic pollution in Lake Tear of the Clouds” (Oct. 2), Aaron Marbone explains effectively for the need to reduce plastic production. State governments must lead the way, and Congress should take action to stop plastic pollution at the source. This season, as the trees let go of their leaves, it’s time to also let go of plastic foam.

Next year, the New York state legislature should pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S1464/A1749), sponsored by Senator Peter Harckham and Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, to reduce plastic packaging and eliminate toxic chemicals in packaging. Passing this bill would put New York at the forefront of addressing the plastic pollution crisis.

Nationally, the Farewell to Foam Act, introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives, would follow the actions of New York and a dozen other states to phase out plastic foam foodware, packing peanuts, and disposable foam coolers across the country. Plastic foam is a problematic plastic posing a hazard to public health and pollutes the air and waterways. According to a national poll released by Oceana earlier this year, nearly 80 percent of U.S. voters support national policies that reduce single-use plastic foam. Several New York members of Congress have already shown their support by cosponsoring the Farewell to Foam Act.

Single-use plastic foam is an unnecessary product that hurts our oceans, marine wildlife, and communities. Congress should phase out single-use plastic foam, and New York should reduce plastic packaging.

Gail Tierney

Brooklyn

Oceana New York Field Representative