Mount Dora teen works to eliminate plastic bags in the city

MOUNT DORA, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - A 13-year-old Mount Dora Girl Scout is crusading to eliminate the use of plastic bags in the city and will go door-to-door to educate the public, says city officials.

The City of Mount Dora reports that the Zoe Mueller's interest in the environment began after attending Model United Nations with her class in May of 2017. While researching her topic, they say she learned not just about pollution, but about bag pollution in particular.

She wanted to start by trying to make a difference in her local community, Mount Dora officials say. So, despite the state law that forbids the banning or taxing of plastic bags, Zoe's mission is to educate consumers and businesses about the dangers these bags pose to the environment. 

On July 27th, 2018, Zoe reportedly presented her idea for a new city program at a Mount Dora City Council meeting.  With the Council’s blessing, Mueller has decided to move forward with her program. Zoe has designed her own logo and Waste Management has come on board to help with the printing of cards that will be given out to local merchants. 

Mueller hopes the program will allow Mount Dora to become a leader in the state of Florida by planting the idea of a reward rather than penalty system that other towns and cities can adopt. 

The City of Mount Dora says that "Each plastic bag that is used contributes to pollution. 160,000 plastic bags are used globally every second, in the U.S. alone. 100 billion plastic bags are used yearly."