Take action to reduce plastic!
We need your help and for you to contact your Senator to support SB 5022 - a Plastics and Recycling bill, championed by Senator Mona Das, that will improve recycling and prevent plastic pollution - during the Senate Floor Vote.
The bill:
Requires that plastic beverage containers are made of post-consumer recycled plastic, from a minimum of 15% by weight in 2023 to 50% by 2031
Bans expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) coolers, food service products, and packing peanuts as of June 1, 2023
Requires that restaurants and food service businesses provide straws, utensils, condiment packages and beverage cup lids only on request or in self-serve bins
The bill components will not only curb the use of certain plastic products causing plastic pollution, it will get us on the path for even bigger recycling reform and plastic pollution reduction.
At this time, SB5022 has passed out of Committee and is ready for a floor vote before the Senate. This is the first major vote, and we need your help to make sure it passes!
Thank you for your help!
Mike
If you are able to call or email your senators, please do so in the next 1-4 days. Calling the hotline, is very easy and very effective - 1.800.562.6000
Email or call to senators (subject line must include SB5022):
Dear X:
I urge you to vote “YES” and support the Plastics and Recycling bill, SB5022. As your constituent, I care deeply about plastic reduction, clean water and improving recycling.
I would like to see recycled content in beverage containers, a ban on Styrofoam products, and “upon request” for utensils, straws, cup lids and condiments. These are great steps forward.
Plastic foam packaging is frequently among the 10 most commonly picked up items at beach cleanups. Disposable plastic forks, spoons, knives and other foodware are also a large part of the plastics problem. Most customers are given single-use plastic utensils and condiment packets whether they want them or not.
We must reduce the production and use of single-use plastic, including expanded polystyrene and foodware, and shift to reusable alternatives for the betterment of our environment, public health, and local economies. Please vote “YES” on SB5022!
Thank you,