Govern Pritzker & Illinois House and Senate Members,

I am writing to urge you to take decisive action to protect Illinois' environment and public health by enacting a statewide ban on the sale and distribution of single-use plastics, including packaging. The environmental and ecological consequences of plastic pollution are increasingly dire and demand immediate attention.

Single-use plastics, which are used once and discarded, are a significant contributor to pollution in our waterways, landfills, and communities. Illinois' rivers and lakes, including the Great Lakes, are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing alarming levels of microplastics harming aquatic ecosystems and potentially affecting human health through the food chain.

Globally, only a small fraction of plastics are recycled, and the vast majority end up as waste, requiring hundreds of years to decompose. This unsustainable cycle burdens municipal waste systems and disproportionately impacts underserved communities near waste processing sites.

Several states and countries have already taken bold steps to address this crisis by banning or severely restricting single-use plastics. Illinois has the opportunity to lead the Midwest in combating this growing issue, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and environmental justice.

I respectfully request that you:

Propose and pass legislation to ban the sale and distribution of single-use plastics statewide, including but not limited to plastic bags, straws, utensils, and non-biodegradable packaging.
Promote and incentivize the development and use of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives.
Increase public education on the importance of reducing plastic waste and encourage a transition to reusable materials.
Taking these steps will not only safeguard our natural resources but also position Illinois as a leader in environmental policy, inspiring other states to follow suit.

I strongly urge you to prioritize this issue in the upcoming legislative session. Together, we can reduce plastic pollution, protect public health, and ensure a cleaner, healthier future for Illinois and beyond.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to seeing Illinois take meaningful action against single-use plastics.

Sincerely,

Patricia Maestre

Illinois