South Whidbey students have once again played a role in helping create policy relating to the care and protection of the environment.

Members of the Langley City Council unanimously approved a zero waste ordinance Monday night that was written in part by middle school students who are part of South Whidbey School District’s Alternative Learning Experience program.

With the help of their teacher, community partners and city staff, students have spent a significant amount of time researching and learning about the importance of reducing single-use plastics. They have conducted a study examining zero waste ordinances from other municipalities and developed and conducted surveys for the public, lodging establishments, businesses and restaurants in Langley.

Language from the ordinance calls for a reduction in non-compostable food service products and individual toiletry containers, with some exemptions to accommodate as needed.

The students led a pre-recorded presentation at the city council’s most recent meeting, with much support from those present.

“I think this would be a good change in Langley and it would better our community,” said Liam Akhtar, who is one of the students. “Single use plastics aren’t necessary and negatively impact our environment and I just think that this ordinance would be a step closer to ending our waste pollution.”

“I just want to help this environment, and this ordinance is going to help the community with a healthier environment,” Atiana Rutland, another student, said.

Councilmember Craig Cyr congratulated the students on their presentation and said he was fascinated to learn from it that people could be ingesting up to 5 grams of plastic every week.

Joe Greenheron, a parent of one of the students presenting, thanked the council for considering the ordinance.

“That’s the future of our community and they’re taking it upon themselves to educate us, the adults, on how to make the planet that they’re going to inherit a better place,” he said of the students.

Restaurant owners had questions about how the ordinance would be carried out and requested support for local businesses. One restaurateur pointed out that it can be difficult to transport hot and cold liquids in compostable containers and suggested other materials, such as aluminum, ceramic or glass, be used instead.

Heather Trim, the executive director of environmental consultant Zero Waste Washington, suggested making an amendment to the ordinance that encourages the use of reusable to-go containers that do not have to be made out of compostable materials.

Councilmember Harolynne Bobis asked how the ordinance will be enforced.

“If we don’t enforce this, then it’s just more pretty words,” she said.

Councilmember Rhonda Salerno responded that if there is a hardship for a business, owners can ask for an exemption for a year.

The zero waste ordinance passed unanimously in a 4-0 vote.

It will be effective starting Jan. 1, 2023.