SPRINGFIELD – Single-use plastics account for up to 40% of plastic produced every year – with many of those products persisting in the environment for hundreds of years. State Senator Mike Halpin is working to combat that pollution through a resolution he spearheaded.  

“The fight against plastic pollution will take every one of us to win, from our state government to everyday Illinoisans,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This is one step forward on the path to a cleaner, healthier Illinois.”

The Resolution would make April 1^st Skip the Plastic Day urging all residents, businesses and visitors to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment. The resolution commends businesses who only offer single-use plastics and take proactive steps to reduce waste.

Skip the Plastic Day was spearheaded by an entrepreneurial Rock Island eighth grader named Nicolina Pappas, who bravely testified before the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee. You can read more about her testimony here.

Illinois produces over 19 million tons of garbage per year, 23% more waste per capita than the average U.S. state. Less than 10% of plastic waste in the state is recycled, with the rest going into landfills or ending up as litter. Single-use plastics and plastic bags are not recyclable, cutting down on use of these products will reduce the amount of plastic pollution and overall waste Illinois produces.

“We have to make a preemptive strike on this plastic pollution plague,” said Halpin. “No one likes to see plastic garbage littering the side of the road, not to mention the health effects from micro plastics and burning oil to make the plastic in the first place. We should follow Nicolina’s example and do our part by skipping the plastic.”

Senate Resolution 22 was adopted by the Senate.