A New York bill aimed at reducing plastic packaging waste was defeated after opponents warned it could empty grocery store shelves.
James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which included extended producer responsibility provisions, failed to pass in the New York State Assembly.
- Pro-plastic lobbyists claimed the bill would remove common products from stores, influencing the vote outcome.
- Environmental advocates vow to reintroduce the bill in future legislative sessions.
Key quote:
“This is a sign you are getting close when the companies start outright lying.”
— Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics
Why this matters:
Microplastics are not only an environmental hazard but also a health risk. They have been found in drinking water, food, and even the air we breathe. The long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, but there is growing concern about their potential to cause harm, including endocrine disruption and other health issues.
