This week, New York State Assembly members could pass what Beyond Plastics calls the “most comprehensive plastic reduction legislation in the nation.” The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) would require companies that sell or distribute packaging materials to develop a packaging reduction and recycling plan—keeping the burden of waste disposal on these companies, not taxpayers.
Research shows that, if implemented, New Yorkers would save $1.3 billion in just one decade due to a reduction in waste management costs. Last year the act passed the State Senate but ran out of time for consideration in the Assembly, reports Waste Dive. The Assembly’s session ends this Thursday, so it’s absolutely crucial to call lawmakers and tell them to pass PRRIA. This could be the first law of its kind in the country, and may pave the way for others—just as New York’s right-to-repair law did. If you live in New York State, use this link to find your assembly member.
Unsure of what to say? Environmental Advocates NY has a script that you use:
Hello, my name is [Full Name] and I live at [Your Street Address or ZIP Code]. I’m calling as your constituent to urge you to support Bill A.1749, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and to talk to the Speaker to push him to bring it to the floor for a vote this session.
Cutting down on plastic pollution is a top priority for me. Not only will PRRIA protect our health by removing toxic chemicals out of packaging, but it will save us money by shifting the considerable costs of packaging waste management away from taxpayers and on to producers. Let’s make New York a leader in protecting our health and environment.
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