PLASTIC WASTE
Our Commitment
Reducing plastic production, consumption, and waste to keep human-made waste out of Virginia’s streams, rivers, and coastal waters.
THE ISSUE
Building on the growing concern and increased willingness to take action to decrease the amount of plastic waste in Virginia’s environment, now is the time to craft policies and laws that will keep man-made waste out of Virginia’s streams, rivers, and coastal waters. We can do this by eliminating the most harmful types of mismanaged waste, incentivizing sustainable disposal of what we do use, and prioritizing the shift to sustainable and reusable products.
ICYMI – Governor Signs Bills to Reduce Plastic Waste
Governor Northam signed five new conservation laws into effect to reduce plastic waste and pollution in our bays, rivers, and creeks.
ROUNDUP: Conservation Community Statements on Single-Use Plastics – Executive Order 77
Round-up of statements from the conservation community on Executive Order 77, which phases out single use plastics in Virginia state government.
Bill of the Day: Oppose Chemical Conversion (SB1164)
SB1164 will not reduce plastic waste, but instead will reduce state regulatory oversight over harmful, pollution-producing facilities, allowing them free rein to locate near Virginia's most vulnerable populations.
Bill of the Day: Reducing Plastic Waste
Plastics are now found in our air, water, and soil. Our elected officials need to enact efficient waste reduction policies and reduce waste generation to protect Virginia from the scourge of plastic litter.
RESOURCES
Report: Plastic Pollution Perception Survey
Virginia voters are concerned about plastic pollution in waterways and support action to reduce plastic pollution, according to a recent survey by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, Clean Virginia Waterways of Longwood University, and OpinionWorks.
2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan
Check out the updated 2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan, providing a common framework for collaboration that will lead us to cleaner and healthier coastal waters and oceans.
Extended Producer Responsibility for Virginia
Environment Virginia provides an explanation on what Extended Producer Responsibility means, a policy approach which could be just what the US needs to revamp plastic recycling-- or eliminate the need for it altogether.