Lots happening here in the United States, too, on the policy front! On July 13, 2021, Maine became the first state to sign EPR legislation into law for plastics and packaging materials, and Oregon passed a similar law on August 6, 2021. Here in Maine we've also banned single-use plastic bags, and we have a bottle bill that in theory supports and helps pay for plastics recycling. But even with all these policies, at the end of the day, decisions by individual consumers and businesses is what actually makes a difference. Thanks for sharing the information about what's going on in Europe -- would love links to your sources.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! It's inspiring to see how much progress is being made in the United States, particularly in states like Maine and Oregon. You're absolutely right, legislation plays a crucial role in tackling our plastic problem, but individual and business actions are just as important.
I appreciate your request for sources. Here are some of the resources that informed the post:
Let's continue the conversation and share what else is being done around the world to reduce, reuse, and recycle. I look forward to your future comments!
Lots happening here in the United States, too, on the policy front! On July 13, 2021, Maine became the first state to sign EPR legislation into law for plastics and packaging materials, and Oregon passed a similar law on August 6, 2021. Here in Maine we've also banned single-use plastic bags, and we have a bottle bill that in theory supports and helps pay for plastics recycling. But even with all these policies, at the end of the day, decisions by individual consumers and businesses is what actually makes a difference. Thanks for sharing the information about what's going on in Europe -- would love links to your sources.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! It's inspiring to see how much progress is being made in the United States, particularly in states like Maine and Oregon. You're absolutely right, legislation plays a crucial role in tackling our plastic problem, but individual and business actions are just as important.
I appreciate your request for sources. Here are some of the resources that informed the post:
Supermarkets in France set to swap plastic packaging for refill stations https://www.connexionfrance.com/article/French-news/Supermarkets-in-France-set-to-swap-plastic-packaging-for-refill-stations
Most Plastic Products Contain Potentially Toxic Chemicals https://www.consumerreports.org/toxic-chemicals-substances/most-plastic-products-contain-potentially-toxic-chemicals/
Breaking the Plastic Wave: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/07/23/breaking-the-plastic-wave-top-findings
On the US front, for those who are interested, here are resources on the mentioned policies:
Maine's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging Law : https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html
Oregon's EPR for Packaging and Paper Products https://www.oregon.gov/deq/recycling/Pages/default.aspxb
As for Maine's single-use plastic bag ban and bottle bill, you can find more information here:
Maine Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban: https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/documents/bag-ban-guidance-faq-07162021.pdf
Let's continue the conversation and share what else is being done around the world to reduce, reuse, and recycle. I look forward to your future comments!