“Our Planet Cannot Wait”: New Law Aims to Tackle Plastic Crisis

California became the first American state to adopt an ambitious law meant to curb single-use plastics considerably with different measures, including ensuring economic responsibility on plastic producers.

“It’s time for California to lead the nation and world in curbing the plastic crisis. Our planet cannot wait,” says state senator Ben Allen who introduced the legislation.

According to the new law, a 25% drop in single-use plastic will have to be attained by 2032. Also, by 2028, at least 30% of all plastic items bought and sold in California will have to be recyclable and by 2032, that proportion will rise to 65%. Also, industry representatives will play an active part in curbing the problem, first by forming a producer responsibility organization in charge of running a recycling program overseen by the state and secondly, by injecting $500 million on a yearly basis into a plastic pollution mitigation fund whose objective will be to study the environmental and health impacts of plastics. Once again, California leads the way in single-use plastic restrictions, following a ban on plastic bags, efforts to discourage the use of plastic straws and utensils, and dedication to fixing the microplastic problem.