A group of middle school teens from the American School of Guadalajara probably never thought their idea to sharply limit the use of plastic bags in Guadalajara stores, dreamed up about ten months ago, would go so far so fast.
But any low expectations evaporated when young independent legislator Pedro Kumamoto took the idea under his wing earlier this year and then ran with it last week, proposing it as a law for immediate consideration by his colleagues in the Jalisco State Congress.
“We just got back from summer vacation and he calls,” said middle school principal David Markman. “He asks if it’s okay with us that he present it in Congress the next day. We had no idea. He asked some of us from the school to attend the presentation.
“When we talked about it with him in June [Guadalajara Reporter, June 25, 2016], when the students made their presentation to him, he said there were a couple of ways to approach it. Then he worked on it during the summer and decided on proposing a law.”
“It was a surprise that he called — a nice surprise,” said Carlie Rose McGrath, one of the students who came up with the project and was present at Congress last week. “I felt important. It was great to know he cares about the project.”
Another pleasant surprise for the students and staff was the quality of Kumamoto’s presentation and the reception it got from other legislators.
“He did a Powerpoint. He explained the benefits and all the other countries that have banned plastic bags. He had to do it in five minutes and he did it very well,” said student Ángel Sanchez.
“I was a little nervous because he told us not to have high expectations. I wondered if a lot of the other politicians would support him, the only independent legislator,” Carlie said. “He told us maybe one or two people would back it at first.”
But not only did the proposal get support, but after Kumamoto’s presentation, 13 legislators, out of a total of 39, asked to sign on as co-sponsors.
“Afterwards he told us it’s very rare that a proposal gets so much initial support,” Markman said. “We were beaming. We teared up. This was something that started with our students. And I think people realize it’s a simple fix that can make a big difference, especially for sea animals.”
Asked what advice they would give other people trying to get new laws passed, Carlie Rose was unequivocal. “Find the right people to talk to.”
“And do your homework,” Markman added. “It’s easy to come up with an idea but nothing’s going to happen without hard work. The kids did a lot of research, they prepared a presentation and they practiced it. I’m proud of them.”
Markman emphasized that the American School’s emphasis on students contributing to the community and on sustainability — solar panels, recycling and the like — were also key. And he added that sometimes people trust initiatives more when they come from young people, because they are so sincere.
But he couldn’t say enough about the role of Kumamoto.
“He’s a warm and amazing 26-year-old. The way he speaks and relates to everyone is wonderful. He’s an amazing, amazing young man, a gentleman.”
The students noted that the proposal will be studied by a Congressional committee, and there may be revisions before it comes back for a vote, hopefully in a few months. Before that, they may visit some legislators to lobby them. They may also try to involve other schools in educating the community about the harm caused by plastics.
“Getting people to change their habits might be hard,” Carlie Rose acknowledged.
“But this has been a very inspiring way to start off the school year,” Markman emphasized.