PRINTER'S NO. 309
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
29
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY ISAACSON, CIRESI, CONKLIN, FREEMAN, HILL-EVANS,
HOHENSTEIN, HOWARD, LONGIETTI, MENTZER, NEILSON, O'MARA,
SANCHEZ, SCHLOSSBERG, VITALI AND WEBSTER, JANUARY 29, 2021
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY,
JANUARY 29, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Designating February 15, 2021, as "Plastic Pollution Awareness
Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, More than 8 billion metric tons of plastic has been
produced globally since the 1950s; and
WHEREAS, Of the 8 billion metric tons of plastic produced,
approximately 6.3 billion metric tons of that has been turned
into waste; and
WHEREAS, Only 9% of plastic waste has been recycled and 12%
has been incinerated, with the rest winding up in landfills,
rivers and oceans; and
WHEREAS, Between 60% and 80% of all marine litter is plastic,
with more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans; and
WHEREAS, Plastic pollution costs $13 billion in economic
damage to marine systems globally each year; and
WHEREAS, Half of all plastic has been manufactured and
produced in the last 15 years; and
WHEREAS, Studies show that even with comprehensive recycling
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plans in place globally, there could be 710 million metric tons
of plastic on our planet by 2040; and
WHEREAS, Single-use plastics account for 40% of all plastic
production each year; and
WHEREAS, Commonwealth consumers and retailers should be
encouraged to use paper straws, reusable bags and other
environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use disposable
plastic products; and
WHEREAS, Commonwealth businesses should strive to reduce
their plastic footprint by developing and adopting improved
environmental best practices; and
WHEREAS, The health and welfare of the environment and
resources of this Commonwealth depend, in great measure, upon
the dedication of private and corporate residents working
together to achieve the common goal of sustainability; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate
February 15, 2021, as "Plastic Pollution Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That residents of this Commonwealth consider a
pledge to honor "Plastic Pollution Awareness Day" by
volunteering on that day to aid in the cleanup efforts of local
streets, rivers, lakes or beaches and refusing to use single-use
disposable plastic products.
20210HR0029PN0309 - 2 -
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