Image: ABC’s Schoolhouse Rock
Some Master Recyclers like tabling at events and talking to their neighbors about what’s important to them. Others like taking on projects, like Repair Fairs or clothing swaps at their children’s schools.
And then there are those Master Recyclers who enjoy writing a letter to the editor, joining local advisory committees, or letting their local officials and representatives know their opinion on environmental issues.
Did you know those activities count as Master Recycler volunteer hours?
As a Master Recycler, you’ve learned the deeper issues around consumption, climate change, environmental justice, food waste, reuse, toxics, repair, composting, and (of course) recycling. You are informed, and you know the flaws in our current systems, or even how our current system may be causing harm.
This all means you have the power to advocate for the policies you want to see. Your elected officials are in office to represent you. They need and want to hear from you. Often, they only hear from lobbyists and are delighted to get a letter, phone call, or to hear you publicly speak about a bill.
So, what waste reduction bills are before the Oregon legislator right now?
BILLS Proposed in 2023
The Master Recycler Program is not endorsing these bills, but the list will help you explore and decide for yourself what you think.
Also, all these bills are sponsored by Senator Janeen Sollman, who is also a proud Master Recycler, Class 47! Senator Sollman serves District 15 which includes areas of Western Washington County, including Banks, North Plains, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Cornelius and Beaverton. She’s also now Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment.
Phasing Out Polystyrene Foam Foodware (SB 543)
One of the most egregious single-use plastics is polystyrene, more commonly known as Styrofoam. This plastic is typically not reused, is not accepted in curbside recycling, and is one of the top items found polluting Oregon’s beaches. SB 543 would ban polystyrene foodware, coolers, and packing peanuts, as well as phase out PFAS (a toxic “forever chemical” from food packaging, which has been linked to thyroid, kidney, and ovarian cancers).
Reducing Plastic at the Source (SB 544)
This proposed bill requires producers to reduce the amount of single-use plastic packaging and foodware by 25% over the next decade. If your bathtub is overflowing, you wouldn’t start by bailing out the water. You’d start by turning off the tap. We need to turn off the plastic tap and reduce the amount of single-use plastics entering the market in the first place, resulting in less plastic production, less greenhouse gas emissions, and less pollution.
Legalizing Reusables (SB 545)
Many shoppers, and even some business, are not aware that Oregon’s Health Code does not allow for consumer or store-owned reusable containers to be used in bulk sections or for produce. A proposed bill would establish “legal” reuse systems and opportunities under Oregon’s Health Code for consumers and businesses alike to transition away from harmful single-use items.
Right to Repair (SB 542)
Maybe third time is the charm? Right to Repair has gone before the legislature twice before. This bill requires manufacturing companies to make the diagnostic tools, schematics, replacement parts and tools available to the user or a third party available at a fair price.
An Oregon E-Cycles Update?
Some bills have not been published yet, so stay tuned!
TOOLS TO GET YOU STARTED
Contact information for your Representative and Senator and a map to find them.
Options and instructions to provide written or virtual live testimony.
Get involved with an organization advocating for policy change
Maybe you’re the kind of person who would love to get involved, but don’t know where to start and rather advocate for policy with others. Here are several organizations you can reach out to that are involved with these bills! Many already have Master Recycler volunteers you can join.
- OSPIRG