U.S. Congress Introduces Bill to Protect National Parks from Plastic Pollution

Photo by 5 Gyres Ambassador Hannah Tizedes

Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act to reduce and eliminate the sale and distribution of single-use plastics in national parks. He was joined by Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in cosponsoring the bill, which builds off of an Obama-era policy to curb single-use plastic litter and reduce the carbon footprint of national parks. While that policy had strong success in the 23 parks that implemented it, the policy was rolled back by the next administration.

“It’s been proven that phasing out single-use plastics leads to economic and environmental benefits, from reducing unnecessary pressure on landfills to significant reductions of C02. It’s high time that we take steps to protect our most beloved natural spaces by reducing unnecessary single-use plastics in national parks,” said Alison Waliszewski, Director of Policy at the 5 Gyres Institute.  

The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would also put into law many of the goals of Secretary’s Order 3407, which aims to reduce the procurement, sale, and distribution of single-use plastic products and packaging, with a goal of phasing out single-use plastic products on Department-managed lands by 2032. 

5 Gyres’ Plastic-Free Parks project is turning science into solutions by leading national data collection and analysis that guides and informs policies to protect our national parks, while also empowering change in park visitors. The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act will address some of the most common items found across national parks during last year's campaign, including plastic bottles, bags, and utensils.

Our national parks were once home to native people who for thousands of years were the original stewards of these lands. We must honor the legacy of indigenous stewardship to ensure that generations to come will inherit a just, healthier, and more sustainable future. 

“We are excited to see our nation’s decision-makers working to protect national parks. They are our nation's most celebrated places filled with natural wonders, history, and culture, and they should be free of plastic pollution,” Alison Waliszewski, Director of Policy at the 5 Gyres Institute.