We are alarmed to learn of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s new order suspending the statewide plastic bag ban. There is no evidence to encourage the use of disposable plastics over reusable options. Reusable items are safe and sustainable, and just as unlikely as disposable items to spread COVID-19. 

It is very disturbing to see the plastics and oil industry, who profit from manufacturing disposable plastics, take advantage of this terrible pandemic to make even more money at the expense of our public and environmental health.

We urge all elected officials to spend our resources on supporting our health care system, protecting essential employees, and providing assistance to vulnerable communities instead of suspending plastic pollution prevention policies. 

There is no doubt the safety of frontline workers, protection of vulnerable community members, and efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19 are the first priority. But, this action will only lead to increased pollution from the production and disposal of single-use plastics. Ample evidence shows that less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled and the rest winds up polluting our environment.

3 STEPS TO TAKE ACTION:

ONE: REFUSE PLASTIC BAGS

We encourage Californians to bring reusable bags if your local store allows it and opt to bag yourself! If the store is not allowing reusable bags, refuse the plastic bags at checkout, bring your items outside in the basket or cart, and pack them there in your reusable bags. 

TWO: SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Retweet on Twitter to @gavinnewsom: https://twitter.com/HealTheBay/status/1253732415765266433

Re-post on Facebook to @GavinNewsom: https://www.facebook.com/HealtheBay/posts/10157130771375869

Re-post on Instagram to @gavinnewsom: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_X0l6ZJDQg/

THREE: CONTACT GOVERNOR NEWSOM

Visit this page https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/ Select "Environment Issues/Concerns" > Select "Con" > Type in this message: I strongly oppose your decision to temporarily suspend the statewide plastic bag ban in California. There is no evidence to encourage the use of disposable plastics over reusable options. Reusable items are safe and sustainable, and just as unlikely as disposable items to spread COVID-19. It is very disturbing to see the plastics and oil industries, who profit from manufacturing disposable plastics, take advantage of this terrible pandemic to make even more money at the expense of our public and environmental health. We urge you to spend our resources on supporting our strained health care system, protecting essential employees, and providing assistance to vulnerable communities instead of suspending plastic pollution prevention policies. There is no doubt the safety of frontline workers, protection of vulnerable community members, and efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19 are the first priority. But, this action will only lead to increased pollution from the production and disposal of single-use plastics. Ample evidence shows that less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled and the rest winds up polluting our environment.