SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are leading measures to transition away from environmentally harmful disposable plastics and toward more sustainable alternatives.

“Illinois can’t be a true, nationwide climate leader if we leave our natural resources behind without addressing the hazards posed by plastic pollution,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “We as legislators have a responsibility to strive toward sustainability and protect our fragile ecosystems for future generations.”

Castro is leading Senate Bill 1872, which would seek to prevent large and mid-size retailers from offering single-use plastic checkout bags to customers by 2029, but would allow them to offer recycled paper bags as an alternative. Municipalities in Illinois with current plastic bag taxes would not be able to continue charging working families for plastic bags but rather would also have to eliminate their use. Recognizing the potential impact on small businesses, it would exclude restaurants, gas stations under 5,000 square feet in size, and small independent retailers with fewer than 12 locations within Illinois.

Styrofoam to-go containers also present a grave risk to both the environment and people’s health. State Senator Laura Fine is spearheading Senate Bill 1531 to prohibit the sale and distribution of polystyrene – also known as Styrofoam – food containers starting in 2030.

“When you take food to go, you may dispose of the containers in several minutes. However, if the disposable container is made of polystyrene, it can remain in our environment for many years. This food packaging contains harmful chemicals that can leach into food, especially if the food is hot or acidic," said Fine (D-Glenview). "Polystyrene food containers do not break down naturally in the environment, and pieces of these containers are often found in our waterways and aquatic life."

Senate Bill 1531 and Senate Bill 1872 are expected to receive a vote before the full Senate in the coming days.