April 13, 2023
Dear Buckingham Resident:
Buckingham’s Watson Creek is in trouble. Long considered among the cleanest waterways in Pennsylvania, our scenic trout stream recently tested positive for 3 of 4 types of microplastic pollution. (See interactive map)
Microplastic pollution happens when macroplastics—single-use plastic bags, food containers and the like—enter the environment and break down into tiny fragments over time. Found in our creeks, air, soil and even human blood, microplastic pollution is a global problem that has landed at our doorstep.
Last year, Solebury became the latest of our Bucks neighbors to take steps to curb single-use plastic waste. Many other municipalities across the Commonwealth are considering similar actions to limit the use of plastic bags, plastic straws and polystyrene food containers in commercial establishments.
The Township is sending out a single-use plastics survey to residents who have signed up for our notifications. When it arrives in your inbox, please take a few minutes to let us know your thoughts. Thank you for participating!
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY.
Sources & further reading
Interactive map: https://environmentamerica.org/pennsylvania/center/resources/microplastics-found-in-pennsylvanias-cleanest-streams/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/microplastics-detected-in-human-blood-180979826/
https://pennenvironment.org/reports/pac/microplastics-pennsylvania
https://buckscountyherald.com/stories/solebury-bans-single-use-plastic-grocery-bags,17909
