It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for. After 18 months, Senate Bill 54 and Assembly Bill 1080, the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, is finally up for a vote, and NOW is the time to take action and call your representatives in support of these two landmark bills.
It is critical for the state of California to take action to reduce plastic pollution. California is currently in the midst of a waste crisis. With waste haulers no longer able to export recyclables and the recycling market falling apart, our plastic trash is piling up. Yet our throw-away lifestyle continues to grow. If we continue on with business as usual, we can expect to see a 40% increase in plastic production over the next decade.
And we are already seeing a dramatic increase in the use of disposable plastics, as Big Plastic uses the COVID-19 crisis to push their agenda: make and sell more plastic and undermine the safety of reusables.
The impact of plastic isn’t contained to polluted coastlines and environments. Plastic is made from fossil fuels. Air pollution from plastic extraction, refining, manufacturing, and incineration disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. It can lead to health impacts such as asthma, respiratory illness, headaches, fatigue, nosebleeds, and even cancer, and makes members of these communities more susceptible to COVID-19.
Cutting back on single-use plastic is not just an environmental issue. Reducing plastic use, and subsequently reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, is an environmental, social, and racial justice issue as well.
Now, more than ever, is the time for action. SB 54 and AB 1080 can help us get there.
If SB 54 and AB 1080 pass, California will be at the forefront of the global fight against plastic pollution, and Heal the Bay has been working tirelessly alongside our partners to make that happen. But, now we need your help again. The bills have until August 31, 2020 to be voted on. Call your representative today and urge them to vote #YESonSB54 and #YesonAB1080.
Calling your representative takes 2 minutes or less, and makes a world of difference. Our Senators and Assemblymembers need to hear from you. Find your rep and get a call script. CLICK, CALL, DONE.
Share with your friends and family, and together, we can pass the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act!
#CAMustLead #Yeson54 #Yeson1080