Groton — Groton Conservation Commission is reminding residents and businesses that the town's plastic reduction survey is available online and is encouraging them to answer it before the commission reviews the results on Monday evening.

The survey is available at bit.ly/GPlastics.

The purpose of the survey is to determine Groton's level of support for a potential initiative to reduce single-use plastic, specifically straws and shopping bags, commission member Kristin Distante has said.

"Locally, plastic waste can be found on our shorelines, beaches and waterways which harms both the ecosystem and the economy. Globally, plastic waste ends up circulating in the oceans, disrupting ocean life and gradually breaking down into microplastics which work their way into our diets via the food chain," the survey introduction states.

"Regionally, across the country, and around the world communities are taking steps to mitigate the plastic problem," it continues. "Our neighbors in Stonington and Westerly, along with many other communities in southeastern Connecticut are finding solutions and alternative materials to keep plastic out of the environment while still supporting local businesses and economies."

So far, 269 people have responded to the survey, Distante said. The Conservation Commission plans to review the results on Monday evening and then will report back to the Town Council, likely in February. The council then will decide how to proceed.