Bill > HR0063

This resolution declares April 1, 2025 as Skip the Plastic Day in Illinois, highlighting the state's commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing plastic waste. The resolution acknowledges the significant environmental harm caused by plastic, noting that over 280 million tons of short-lived plastic products become waste annually and that plastic is made from toxic fossil fuels that never decompose. It recognizes the Skip the Plastic Campaign, created by Nicolina Pappas of Nicolina's Turtle Co. in partnership with environmental initiatives, which aims to reduce unnecessary single-use plastic by promoting a policy of providing plastic items only upon customer request. The resolution urges all residents, businesses, and visitors to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment, and specifically commends businesses that participate in Skip the Plastic Day by offering single-use plastic items like straws and cutlery only upon request, as well as residents who actively refuse to use single-use plastic items. Notably, the resolution also points out that restaurants can potentially save an average of $5,000 per year by adopting accessories-upon-request policies.