WHEREAS, California values the health of its ocean and coast; and

WHEREAS, California is a global leader in taking action to protect the health of the ocean and coast; and

WHEREAS, Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the health of California’s ocean resources and coastal environment, and to the public’s enjoyment of that environment; and

WHEREAS, Plastic straws pose a health risk to ocean wildlife when accidentally ingested; and

WHEREAS, Plastic straws are frequently littered or dropped by individuals, escape from waste management systems, and can get deposited onto the beach and washed into storm drains, streams, rivers, and eventually the ocean; and

WHEREAS, Reducing consumption of plastic straws can help decrease plastic pollution in the ocean and California’s coastal environment; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing the negative environmental impact of plastic straws, many restaurants and other establishments in California and around the United States have voluntarily stopped providing plastic straws; and

WHEREAS, Customers should be encouraged to make informed choices when considering ways to reduce their impacts on the environment; and

WHEREAS, The California State Senate recognizes the efforts of Girl Scout Shelby O’Neil, the founder of Jr Ocean Guardians, to raise awareness about the problem of ocean plastic, and to reduce pollution from plastic straws by starting the “No Straw November” initiative; and

WHEREAS, In the “No Straw November” initiative, participants pledge to refuse straws for the month of November; and

WHEREAS, Shelby O’Neil attributes her love of the ocean and founding of Jr Ocean Guardians to her service as a Teen Conservation Leader at Monterey Bay Aquarium; now, therefore, be it