As a leading sustainability retailer, ChicoBag & To-Go Ware is always looking for ways to celebrate new legislation curtailing single-use plastic. We are proud to champion policies that reduce plastic usage, and over the last two decades, we’ve helped save over 25 billion single-use items from entering the waste stream. Below, learn more about some of the most forward-thinking legislation driving change right now—and how it affects you.
Reducing Waste in National Parks Act
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, alongside eleven fellow Senate members, has ushered in the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act. This significant legislation aims to reinstate the Obama-era directive banning the sale of single-use plastic water bottles across all U.S. National Parks. This move is an important step towards preserving the natural beauty and integrity of these cherished public lands.
Reducing Waste in National Parks Act
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, alongside eleven fellow Senate members, has ushered in the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act. This significant legislation aims to reinstate the Obama-era directive banning the sale of single-use plastic water bottles across all U.S. National Parks. This move is an important step towards preserving the natural beauty and integrity of these cherished public lands.
ChicoBag also assists in this initiative by stocking National Park gift shops, like the one in Canyonlands National Park in Southeast Utah, with high-tech water bottle slings to encourage more reusable bottles. Our dye sublimation process allowed them to use bespoke artwork for the National Park areas they represent, creating a functional, custom product that serves as a great memento for visitors of these precious protected lands.
ChicoBag also assists in this initiative by stocking National Park gift shops, like the one in Canyonlands National Park in Southeast Utah, with high-tech water bottle slings to encourage more reusable bottles. Our dye sublimation process allowed them to use bespoke artwork for the National Park areas they represent, creating a functional, custom product that serves as a great memento for visitors of these precious protected lands.
State Agencies Banned from Single-Use Plastic
In a pioneering move representing change in action, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has put pen to paper on an executive order prohibiting state agencies from purchasing single-use plastic bottles. This decisive action places Massachusetts at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts, highlighting the state's commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Right to Repair Act
Ever wondered whether your smartphone breaking down—right before the release of a new one—is a coincidence? The California state assembly is fighting back by passing the Right to Repair Act, forwarding the pivotal legislation to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for final approval.
This act is a significant stride forward in consumer rights, granting individuals and independent repair shops greater access to necessary resources for device repairs. The bill's passage places California as the third state to enact such legislation, marking a crucial step in the broader right-to-repair movement.
Another interesting fact? Apple, a company commonly under fire for products “aging out,” is one of the co-signers of this bill in California.
ChicoBag is also all in on repairing and maintaining a circular economy with our Zero Waste Pay it Forward Program! Send in your tired and worn reusable bags, and we’ll find them a good home to keep them out of the waste stream!
If you’re a California resident, add your signature to the Right to Repair Bill!
If you’re a California resident, add your signature to the Right to Repair Bill!
Right to Repair Act
Ever wondered whether your smartphone breaking down—right before the release of a new one—is a coincidence? The California state assembly is fighting back by passing the Right to Repair Act, forwarding the pivotal legislation to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for final approval.
This act is a significant stride forward in consumer rights, granting individuals and independent repair shops greater access to necessary resources for device repairs. The bill's passage places California as the third state to enact such legislation, marking a crucial step in the broader right-to-repair movement.
Another interesting fact? Apple, a company commonly under fire for products “aging out,” is one of the co-signers of this bill in California.
ChicoBag is also all in on repairing and maintaining a circular economy with our Zero Waste Pay it Forward Program! Send in your tired and worn reusable bags, and we’ll find them a good home to keep them out of the waste stream!
UN Global Plastics Treaty
As the global plastic crisis escalates, the United Nations has proposed a comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty to tackle the issue head-on. The treaty aims to establish international regulations on plastic production, consumption, and disposal to mitigate its environmental impact.
The treaty encompasses measures such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling and waste management, and encouraging innovation in sustainable alternatives. This global initiative underscores the urgency of collective action in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Break Free From Plastic
The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 (BFFPPA) is a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the escalating global plastic crisis. Toxic chemicals in plastic packaging and products cause irreparable damage to the environment, wildlife, and our own health.
Acknowledging how plastic production disproportionately affects marginalized communities by polluting the air, water, and soil, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (CA) introduced the bill to strengthen protections for frontline and fenceline communities most affected by plastic pollution.
The act proposes a nationwide deposit return system to manage beverage container waste effectively and promote reuse and refill systems. It signifies a critical step towards reducing the staggering 91% of plastic that’s never recycled, bringing us closer to a future where we can truly break free from plastic.
Check out the full list of organizations in the United States supporting the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021—and show your support by giving them your patronage!
Check out the full list of organizations in the United States supporting the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021—and show your support by giving them your patronage!
Break Free From Plastic
The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 (BFFPPA) is a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the escalating global plastic crisis. Toxic chemicals in plastic packaging and products cause irreparable damage to the environment, wildlife, and our own health.
Acknowledging how plastic production disproportionately affects marginalized communities by polluting the air, water, and soil, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (CA) introduced the bill to strengthen protections for frontline and fenceline communities most affected by plastic pollution.
The act proposes a nationwide deposit return system to manage beverage container waste effectively and promote reuse and refill systems. It signifies a critical step towards reducing the staggering 91% of plastic that’s never recycled, bringing us closer to a future where we can truly break free from plastic.
AB 1628 Bill
Assembly Bill 1628, co-signed by the environmental non-profit organization 5 Gyres, is a pioneering piece of legislation in California targeting microfiber pollution at its source. Under this bill, all new washing machines sold or offered in California for residential or state use must contain microfiber filters starting January 1, 2029.
This requirement aims to capture the millions of microfibers shed during laundry cycles, which can end up in our waterways and contribute to plastic pollution. By installing filters on washing machines, the bill aims to decrease annual microfiber emissions by almost 80 percent, safeguarding both public health and water quality.
Global Plastic Laws Database
Ready to get even more involved? The Global Plastic Laws Database is the perfect place to start taking on plastic pollution and the toxic impacts that come along with it. You can spread awareness with this powerful tool, which is a key resource for tracking and researching plastic policies around the world.
This database is a great way to put thought into action and can lead to effective policy at the local, state, national, and international levels. Data on plastic legislation is input by individuals around the world, empowering global citizens to work together for lasting change.
Become an active participant in the Global Plastic Laws Database today to bring awareness to your local legislation!
Become an active participant in the Global Plastic Laws Database today to bring awareness to your local legislation!
Global Plastic Laws Database
Ready to get even more involved? The Global Plastic Laws Database is the perfect place to start taking on plastic pollution and the toxic impacts that come along with it. You can spread awareness with this powerful tool, which is a key resource for tracking and researching plastic policies around the world.
This database is a great way to put thought into action and can lead to effective policy at the local, state, national, and international levels. Data on plastic legislation is input by individuals around the world, empowering global citizens to work together for lasting change.
There’s More Where Those Came From
Is your community making moves to make the planet a #littlebitbetter?
Drop us a line—we’d love to highlight all they’re doing for our planet and our people!