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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 30, 2023 02:52 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Carolyn T. Comitta |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Recognize Plastic Free July in Pennsylvania |
| In the near future I will be introducing a resolution recognizing "Plastic Free July" in Pennsylvania. Since the 1950s, more than 8 billion metric tons of plastic has been produced globally. Only 21 percent of that amount has been recycled or incinerated. The rest of this plastic is polluting our landfills, rivers, and oceans, putting the health and safety of humans and wildlife at risk. As plastics have become pervasive in our economy and our society, so has microplastic pollution in our environment. Microplastics have been found in our air, our food, and our bodies. And a recent study by PennEnvironment found microplastics in every waterway sampled, including streams that are considered among the cleanest in the Commonwealth. Last year, Plastic Free July was supported worldwide by 140 million participants making conscious changes and reducing their waste by 2.6 million tons! The global trend is strong – 87 percent of people support policies and action to reduce plastic waste. On March 2, 2022, United Nations Member States endorsed a historic resolution to institute a global treaty to end plastic pollution by the end of 2024. It will address the full plastic lifecycle: from extraction, to production, design, use, and disposal. This resolution will help amplify the message of the collective power of individual action and the difference we can make for a low-waste, sustainable world. Lastly, I want to note that communities in the 19th Senatorial District, which I am proud to represent, are leading the way in helping reduce our reliance on plastics. My hometown, West Chester Borough, was one of the first in the Commonwealth to pass an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags and straws. West Goshen Township, Easttown Township, and others in Chester County are also prohibiting single-use plastics. And the Tredyffrin Environmental Advisory Council will be hosting a Plastic Free July campaign as well. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution. |