To : Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Mike Levin (CA-49), or Brad Sherman (CA-32), Corporate/Major Company leaders, food establishments, and educational institutions.

THE ISSUE/PROBLEM

The overuse of plastic is one of the increasingly critical pressing issues in our environment. Every year the world generates 400 million tons of plastic waste a year.

However, the United States alone generates over 35 million tons of plastic waste; yet only 5-6% is recycled (2023). Let alone, 85% of this is ended up in landfills, our oceans, and even communities ; overall harming wildlife and human health.

Major companies in the United States like Starbucks and Walmart contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Starbucks alone contributes over 8 billion single-use/“disposable” cups annually, most of which are lined with plastic, making them overly difficult to recycle. Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers, uses over 1 billion plastic bags per year, specifically in the U.S.

Overall :

● Starbucks : contributes over 8 billion single-use/“disposable” cups annually

●Walmart : uses over 1 billion plastic bags per year, specifically in the U.S.

THE SOLUTION :

Bioplastics, derived from plant-based materials like cornstarch or sugar cane, offer a viable alternative and environmentally friendly alternative from traditional plastics. These materials are designed to be biodegradable/compostable, reducing their environmental footprint unlike the actual synthetic material.

Other Major companies have too already begun integrating bioplastics into their own

personal products/packing. Companies are such as :

●Coca-Cola : introduced the packing product called ‘PlantBottle’ a partially bio-plastic beverage bottle.

●PepsiCo : Committed to using 100% compostable bioplastic by 2025

●Unilever : Aims to convert all packaging to reusable/recyclable/compostable materials by 2025.

OUR CALL TO ACTION :

We are calling on Californian Representatives such as Jared Huffman or Mike Levin and other corporations and lawmakers to take action by significantly reducing the plastic usage and creation and increasing the adoption of bio-plastics - (which are a sustainable alternative for plastics, made from plant-based materials like cornstarch or sugar cane. Bioplastics are biodegradable and compostable, being made for the sole purpose of reducing pollution and waste-build ups in landfills & waterways.)

However, we urge other leaderships of major corporations/institutions to do the

following as written :

1. Assess and Report : conduct research of the current statistics of plastic usage and publicly report these findings.

2. Set Reduction Targets : Establish clear, measurable goals to decrease conventional plastic use, aiming goals to decrease conventional plastic use. Examples include aiming for a 50% reduction in plastic usage within the next 5 years.

3. Engage and Educate : inform consumers/stakeholders about the benefits of bioplastics and the organization’s commitment to sustainability

4. Collaborate for innovation : Partner with bioplastics manufacturers and researchers to develop cost-effective solutions.

By embracing and supporting these actions, corporations/institutions can play a major role in combating plastic pollution, protecting our environment, and promoting public health.

The time to act is now. Together, if you sign this petition we can pave and create a way for a healthy, safe and sustainable bioplastic future