Final Donates 100% Of Proceeds From New Enamel Pin Collection To Support Plastic Pollution Policy

Did you hear? We just dropped two new enamel pins so you can spark a conversation and support plastic pollution policy this #GivingTuesday. The plastic pollution crisis cannot be solved by one individual, organization, or corporation. To achieve a sustainable plastic-free future we also need government support and policies that push for source reduction. 

That’s why 100% of every penny we make selling these pins will be donated to the Clean Seas Lobbying Coalition, a group of organizations coming together to advance plastic pollution policy in California. The coalition includes groups like The 5 Gyres Institute, Plastic Pollution Coalition, The Story of Stuff Project, Surfrider Foundation, and more.

Currently, the coalition is focusing on Senate Bill 54/Assembly Bill 1080, the California Circular Economy and Pollution Reduction Act. This monumental law would reduce waste from single-use packaging and priority single-use food serviceware—like plates, cups and utensils—in California by 75% by 2030, and ensure that the remaining items are effectively reusable, recyclable or compostable. Here are a few highlights from the bills that we think are pretty rad: 

• The law will require producers to redesign packaging to eliminate unnecessary waste and improve the recyclability or compostability of materials that remain.
• It will also require that priority single-use food serviceware products (plates, bowls, cups, utensils, stirrers and straws) be created with less materials, or manufactured with only recyclable or compostable materials by 2030.
• Develop incentives and policies for companies to encourage in-state manufacturing using recycled material generated in California.
• Boost recycling in California, discouraging the export of waste to other countries.

If you live in California, you can contact your legislator and encourage them to phase out single-use products and packaging!

But why should you care about this bill if you don’t live in California? Well, because California has the largest economy in the U.S., policy passed there has the potential to influence the rest of the country. The U.S. is the second largest producer of plastic waste, which is why a national policy to reduce waste would have a significant impact on the amount of plastic polluting the planet. The change needs to start somewhere and where better than California? After all, California was the first state to ban plastic bags in 2014 and implement a state-wide straws upon-request policy in 2019. With your help, 2020 could be the year we move beyond individual product bans and towards a more circular economy. And remember, whether you’re in California or not, you can support this important effort by purchasing an enamel pin.