Zero Waste 2022 MN Legislative Advocacy

Help create a more sustainable and healthier environment. Here are the actions our Zero Waste Task Force is focusing on this year.

PFAS Prevention Package

In 2021 we passed a ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. This year we’re trying to expand the ban to other products we use everyday. 

PFAS are toxic and are connected to many serious health problems including: kidney cancer, testicular cancer, reduced immune response, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, low birthweight babies, infertility, and other reproductive problems. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment. They’re toxic at very low levels—parts per trillion—and are building up in the environment. 

The best way to address the problem is to stop producing PFAS. 

Please contact your Minnesota Senator and ask them to support the 8 bills in the PFAS Prevention Package.  

Producer Responsibility for Packaging(HF4132) 

Plastic pollution is a crisis—more recycling can’t fix it. This bill holds producers responsible for the cost of managing packaging waste. Brands will pay a fee for the type and amount of packaging material they use. The fees will be used to improve recycling systems, offset recycling costs, and pilot reuse/refill systems. This will also help:

  • Reduce the amount of packaging produced

  • Increase the recyclability of packaging

  • Increase reuse/refill options

  • Remove toxic chemicals in packaging

  • Increase post-consumer content in packaging

  • Reduce litter and reduce trash going to landfills

  • Create clear, consistent labeling

  • Reduce hard-to-recycle packaging
     

Contact your State Representative and Senator and ask them to support the Producer Responsibility Bill.


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