Zero Waste Toolkit

It’s no secret: our recycling system needs a lot of TLC (tender loving care). And, we can start by banning, diverting, and redesigning the vast amount of single-use products overloading our recycling facilities. Today, we’re challenging you to call or email your state legislators and urge them to pass three bills in the upcoming legislative session: 

1. Bans on Single-Use Plastics
2. Producer Responsibility for Packaging
3. Modernized Bottle Return Programs (Bottle Bill)

Worried about contacting your state legislators? Don’t fret! We’ve gathered some talking points to help get you started!

Call Your Reps to Pass Zero Waste Legislation

When you call your state legislators, you'll be connected with an aide who will take your call. The aide will probably ask you for some personal details, like your name and address, and will take down your message. Sometimes, they will forward you on to leave your legislators a voice message.

Calling your legislators may sound scary, but just know that they want to hear from you. Your viewpoint helps guide them throughout the legislative session. Legislators serve the people, and the more people they hear from, the higher the impact.

Getting the Conversation Started

Here's a short script to help guide you as you contact your legislators:

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am very concerned about plastic pollution.

(If you'd like, you can also use this space to tell them why you care about this issue.)

Plastic pollutes from its production to its disposal, contributing to climate-damaging emissions.

That's why I'm calling you – to urge you to support:

• Bans on single-use plastic bags, polystyrene, and straws;

• Extended Producer Responsibility laws for packaging; and,

• A modernized Bottle Bill. 

These solutions will not only protect our health and the environment, but they'll save our cities and towns money.

I ask that you push for these solutions on my behalf in the upcoming legislative session.

Thank you for listening.