Plastic pollution is a major environmental and health problem. Every year 19-23 million tons of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas – the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic dumped daily.  As we take time this summer to re-evaluate our own use of plastics, let us also take time to call on policy makers and corporations to reduce the manufacture of new plastics. 

The Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act (H.R. 6053/S. 3127) focuses on reducing plastic waste at its source. It calls for reducing and banning certain single-use plastic products that are not recyclable and incentivizes reusable and refillable products. The bill includes the creation of a nationwide beverage container refund program. It also pauses the construction of new plastic facilities, which emit toxins that disproportionately harm low-income communities and communities of color in which such plants are often built.

The School Sisters of Notre Dame have a deep commitment to caring for our common home and protection of the vulnerable.  Please take time today to contact your members of Congress to urge their support for the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.