To the editor:

The recent article, “Orcas of the Pacific Northwest are Starving and Disappearing,” reminded readers that our waste is killing our wildlife. Our economy encourages us to make, use and toss at the greatest possible speed. Often, we don’t think twice about getting our coffee to-go in a foam cup, or food in a foam takeout container.

Currently, 70 million plastic foam cups are estimated to be disposed of by Americans every day. Of these, about one-third end up in waterways: rivers, lakes and especially oceans. I want my children to be able to admire the beauty of an orca whale in the Sound.

To protect our wildlife and our waterways we need to dramatically reduce our plastic waste and we can start by banning foam cups and takeout containers here in Washington.

SHAY BAUMAN

Seattle