Skip the Plastic!

Like other Texas coastal communities, Rockport is facing financial, environmental and aesthetic problems caused by loose plastic shopping bags. With much of the city’s economy based on tourism and fishing, the bags detract from the overall scenery and the experiences of visitors who come to fish, view whooping cranes at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, dine at waterfront restaurants and enjoy the vibrant art scene.

When we gave a presentation on plastic trash at the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor in March, the enthusiasm and desire for change among the audience was so strong that they asked if they could become part of Skip the Plastic. With the approval of our team leaders, we gladly accepted and welcomed our Rockport friends who are now officially known as Skip the Plastic – Rockport. With greater numbers and a wider influence, we’ll work together to tackle the problems caused by plastic trash in the Coastal Bend.

KORO-TV News Anchor/Reporter Daniela Sanchez is a real Bag Hero. Noting the problems that disposable plastic bags cause, she says, “I think it’s time that the community comes together and brings reusable bags. We all need to remind each other to make a conscious effort to start using them.”

Gracias Daniela! Esperemos que más gente siguán tu gran ejemplo.

Skip the Plastic is recognizing Corpus Christi resident Jeff Francis as our April Bag Hero. A recent PhD graduate of the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Jeff’s research in ecosystems services emphasizes the importance of healthy bays and estuaries for our local economy.

When asked why he brings his own bag when shopping, Jeff replies “Why contribute to the buildup of plastics in the environment, especially when we have good alternatives?”

We also want to thank Stripes for their recent efforts in training their associates and informing customers about options to taking plastic bags with their purchases. Through new signage and employee education in stores across the Coastal Bend area, Stripes is taking a proactive approach to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up littering our city and our bays.

Can you imagine how much cleaner our beaches, rivers and parks would be if each empty bottle and can was worth a nickel? People would save and collect them for that redemption value instead of tossing them.

Ten states already have refund values on empty beverage containers – let’s help Texas to join their ranks!

The Texas Bottle Bill (SB 645/HB 1473) was recently filed in the State Legislature. Please take a minute to go to http://www.surfrider.org/campaigns/entry/texas-bottle-bill, click where it says “Click Here to sign and share the petition” and add your name to the petition.

Visit www.texasbottlebill.com for more info

We’ve chosen Lisa James as our March Bag Hero for her commitment to keeping plastic bags out of the ocean. As a mother of two, she shares her love of the ocean by taking her kids to the beach and by choosing reusable bags to help keep the Gulf of Mexico free of plastic bags. That’s why she uses reusable bags everywhere she shops, whether it be at Wind and Wave Surf Shop or a grocery store. Because Lisa, like many Corpus Christi residents, is choosing to “skip the plastic.”

Our hats are also off to Wind and Wave Surf Shop for offering their customers two types of reusable bags: the woven type with the Wind and Wave logo and cool nylon bags that stuff into a pouch small enough to keep in your glove compartment or purse. Beachgoers now have a choice!

February’s Bag Hero is Corpus Christi fireman and EMT John Keller. John was recently recognized with the Firefighter of the Year award by the Kiwanis Club for his heroic lifesaving efforts in Corpus Christi Bay.

When asked about reusuable shopping bags, John says, “Whenever I buy food for the firehouse, I always use reusable bags. It’s just a habit.” He continues, “We work all over town and I see trash all over the city. I want to at least do my part to use reusable bags and hopefully the other guys at the station will give it a try.”

We salute John for setting a great example for others to follow.

As Mayor Nelda Martinez says, a new year and new era have begun in Corpus Christi. She encourages everyone to bring their bags when shopping to help keep our city clean. Make it your resolution for 2013 to do your part and “Bring Your Own Bag.” It’s easy to do once you get in the habit.

One reason the Mayor likes to shop at Sprouts Farmers Market is the 5-cent discount they offer for every reusable bag that customers bring when shopping. We applaud their efforts to encourage customers to reduce waste and become a part of the solution.

Ryan Chiasson plays as a defenseman for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Ryan has been enjoying Corpus Christi’s warm weather. When not playing or practicing, he likes to fish and relax at our local beaches.

When asked why he prefers reusable bags, Ryan said, “Plastic bags end up in the landfill and oceans. Reusable bags are clearly better for the environment.”

We would also like to recognize Target for their efforts to reduce waste and help keep our city clean. As a part of their Corporate Responsibility program, Target offers a 5-cent discount to their customers for every reusable bag they use and gives away free reusable bags on Earth Day. So far, Target’s nationwide customers have used 80 million reusable bags instead of paper or plastic ones. We think that’s a smart and sustainable way to do business.

Tony Amos is the founder and director of the Animal Rehabilitation Keep at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. Tony is a researcher and oceanographer widely recognized for his efforts to educate the public about the problems increasing human population and encroaching development pose for wildlife in our coastal area. In his work, he has witnessed the negative effects of plastic marine debris, including plastic bags, on many marine animals.

When asked why he prefers reusable bags versus single-use plastic bags, he answers:
“You have to get rid of a little bit of convenience if you want to preserve the environment.” We commend Mr. Amos for his hard work and hope that other people will follow his great example.