Earlier this year, we asked our Illinois supporters to send a message to their legislators: keep plastic pollution out of the Great Lakes and our drinking water. Our supporters delivered in a big way! They sent over 1,750 messages to Illinois legislators – and they asked their friends and colleagues to send messages, too.
Thanks to our supporters, a key bill has made major steps forward. Legislation that would phase out the sale of single-use plastic foam cups and food containers has passed the Illinois Senate and the House Energy and Environment Committee. Our next step is passing it out of the Illinois House and moving this critical bill to the Governor’s desk. We will be working hard to get it over the finish line this year.
Plastic foam, most commonly known as Styrofoam, is the third most common litter item collected during our Adopt-a-Beach cleanups. Foam is exceptionally hard to recycle and breaks down easily into toxic environmental microplastic particles. This critical bill reduces plastic pollution at the source by restricting the sale and distribution of foam food containers.
We’re so grateful to everyone who made an impact in advancing this important legislation!
In a related bill, the Illinois General Assembly has passed the PFAS Product Ban, which is now on its way to the Governor for his signature. PFAS is one among thousands of chemicals used in the manufacturing of some plastics. This important bill will prohibit the use of this toxic chemical in the manufacturing of children’s products, cosmetics, intimate apparel such as sleepwear or underwear, menstrual products, and dental floss. This law represents a significant step in reducing the use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing.
We’ll continue pushing for legislation – like the foam food ware phase-out – that reduces plastic pollution in Illinois. We’ll keep you up to date on our progress and ways you can continue making a difference. Together we can make a lasting impact to ensure clean drinking water and protect our beautiful Lake Michigan.
Thank you again for protecting Lake Michigan and our drinking water!