What can be done about plastics?

We are in the age of plastics... and plastic waste is burying us.  What can be done about plastics?   Many states and countries are requiring Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging.  Would this be an effective approach in Minnesota as well?  What are the hallmarks of an effective EPR program?  

On October 7, the Sierra Club hosted an Extended Producer Responsibility Teach-in. The video recording of this event is linked to the left, it's an informative and exciting hour video.  Here,  Minnesota Representative Sydney Jordan leads off with a rousing call to arms, followed by Jennifer Congdon, Deputy Director of Beyond Plastics and an environmental policy expert for the Sierra Club.  Jennifer's presentation explains the elements of a successful EPR program and pitfalls to avoid.

Rep. Sydney Jordan has a strong, effective EPR for Packaging bill (HF4132) and will be reintroducing it in the Minnesota Legislature again next session.   There is also a federal bill - the Break Free from Plastic Pollution  Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/984,   If you'd like more information, please reach out to Jennifer Congdon, Beyond Plastics;  or  Lori Olinger with Sierra Club Northstar Chapter.   

​Following is the checklist of ten essential elements for an effective EPR program.