Lobby for Single-Use Ban in Your Community
One of the best ways to make change is to lobby at the local level. Your elected officials represent you, so let them know what you think!
Want to Make a Difference In the Fight Against Plastic?
One of the best ways to make change is to lobby at the local level. Your elected officials represent you. Listening to you is literally their job, so let them know what you think! Here are a few ways you can tell them that single-use plastics aren’t welcome in your community, and to use grassroots activism to strengthen democracy at the same time. Encourage others to do the same. The more they hear the same message, the more likely they are to listen.
Write a letter or email
Writing a personal letter or email is a better way to get your point across than contacting an official through their website. It’s harder for them to ignore a message in their mailbox or inbox, which means you’re more likely to get a response. Be sure to identify yourself as a constituent, include your name and address, and personally sign the letter.
Make a phone call
Find your voice and pick up your phone! Calling your elected officials is a great way to make a personal connection with them or their staff. Be sure to let them know that you’re a constituent—they want your vote, after all! And talk to your friends and family about calling, too.
Start a petition
Thanks to online tools, it’s easier than ever to start a petition. Check out the websites below and choose the one you like best. Then identify the target of your petition—the official you want to take action— and clearly state your demands. Share your petition on social media and ask your friends to do the same. Once you have a solid number of signatures, deliver the petition to your local decision maker. Email is easiest, of course, but sometimes visiting their office, and handing it to them in person will make a bigger impression.
Popular petition platforms:
Change.org The Petition site IPetitions
Some resources that will help you get better informed:
Learn more about plastic pollution Learn the difference between real solutions and false ones
Visit the Global Legislative Toolkit for more policy action resources
Join the Plastic Free Future Facebook group and share your experience
Want to do more?
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Learn About Plastic Pollution
Plastic has found its way to the depths of our oceans, to remote forest paths, to the ice of the Arctic, and onto the island beaches where turtles nest.
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Organise a Zero Waste Event
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, a breezy picnic, or even a large-scale community event, use these creative ways to avoid single-use plastics.
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Support Restaurants That Choose to Reuse
Take the reusable container challenge and join the movement that is already changing the way we eat! Let’s make reusable the new normal!
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Support Supermarkets That Choose to Reuse
Take the reusable container challenge and join the movement that is already transforming the way we shop for groceries!
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Lobby for Single-Use Ban in Your Community
One of the best ways to make change is to lobby at the local level. Your elected officials represent you, so let them know what you think!
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Become a Citizen Scientist
Citizen activists are cleaning up local riverbanks, parks, and beaches and using these events to identify the companies that are polluting their hometowns.
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Empower the Next Generation of Activists
The classroom is a great place to start discussing plastic pollution and how to address it. Kids can develop their science knowledge and leadership skills, all while learning how to build a better future.