A person bends down to pick up trash in the grasses on a beach with Lake Michigan in the background.

Ban the Foam and Bag the Plastic, Illinois!

Last year, Illinois banned polystyrene foam food containers, most commonly known as Styrofoam, in state facilities and Surgers led the charge. Let’s keep the momentum going by advocating for the statewide ban on foam foodware (HB2376) and single-use plastic bags (HB4448 / SB2211), a crucial step in safeguarding our environment and aquatic life!

Use the letter we’ve provided or tailor it with your own voice to underscore the urgency of ending single-use plastic pollution.

Join us today by emailing your lawmakers below.

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Dear [recipient position will go here] [recipient name will go here],

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As your constituent, I urge you to vote “yes” and sign on as a co-sponsor for HB 2376 and HB 4448 / SB 2211, legislation crucial for banning foam foodware and plastic carryout bags in Illinois.

Polystyrene foam, notorious for breaking into small pieces, poses a grave threat to human health, the environment and aquatic life. This foam bill will ensure that retailers and restaurants across the state transition to more sustainable alternatives.

Additionally, plastic bags crowd our landfills, infiltrate our aquatic ecosystems and wreak havoc on both marine and freshwater animals, from entanglement to ingestion. Like Styrofoam, plastic bags are virtually non-recyclable. This bill bans the use of accessible, biodegradable options for retail carryout bags.

Every year, a staggering 22 million pounds of plastic finds its way into the Great Lakes. To mitigate further harm to Illinoisans, aquatic life, the Great Lakes and our planet’s natural balance, urgent action is needed. I urge you to support HB 2376 and HB 4448 / SB 2211. Join this movement to honor the Earth this month and beyond.

Your consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
[your name will go here]
[your email address will go here] [your location will go here]

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