The need to address the mounting waste crisis is more urgent now than ever. Landfills and Oceans are filling up at an alarming rate, contributing to environmental degradation and public health issues. A viable solution lies in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies. This system holds manufacturers and producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, encouraging sustainable design and reducing waste at the source. 

Currently, Ohio does not have a statewide EPR framework, resulting in taxpayers footing the bill for waste management and disposal. By transferring responsibility to the producers, an EPR law would not only encourage companies to adopt more sustainable practices but also alleviate the financial burden from our local governments and communities. States like California and Oregon have successfully implemented EPR laws, seeing significant improvements in recycling rates and reductions in landfill use.

Adopting EPR policies can bring numerous benefits to our state. It will stimulate innovation in product design, promote recycling and reuse, and create green jobs, boosting Ohio’s economy. Moreover, EPR policies are vital for protecting our natural resources, decreasing pollution, and ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

We urge Ohio lawmakers to act on this pressing issue by introducing a bill to establish comprehensive EPR policies in our state. Sign this petition to demand accountability and sustainability from industries operating within Ohio and to support a greener future.

Update 1

Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, there is one main reason that the producers prefer harmful plastic: money. Biodegradable materials are significantly more expensive to acquire and process, for now. Several studies have shown predictions of significant increase of the Bioplastic market, such as Official Market (583% by 2035), Exactitude Consultancy (219% by 2034), Grand View Research (287% by 2030), and Straits Research (208% by 2033). Grand View Research reported that Bioplastic was the largest European market in 2024 with a 43.38% revenue share. The market was over 50% packaging, the main goal of EPR policies and will be easily tapped into by producers. Technology is advancing, such as that of UC Davis Professor Ruihong Zhang, to make Bioplastic a more affordable and realistic alternative. The world is improving, one state at a time, and Ohio is next. 

**Reminder to repost and share, thank you so much for everyone's efforts so far!**