Task Force to Tackle Plastics

Task Force to Tackle Plastics

In July, Governor Gina M. Raimondo signed an Executive Order aimed to reduce reliance on single-use plastics that often end up in Rhode Island's waters and shoreline. The Tackling Plastics Executive Order targets single-use disposables such as shopping bags, bottles, cups and straws - along with items like six-pack rings and balloons - that become unsightly, dangerous and all-too-familiar litter on land and in coastal waters.

The Executive Order specifically creates a task force that will:

• Encourage the financial and market factors needed to support reducing and recycling plastics;
• Develop non-regulatory recognition and incentive programs, potential legislation and/or regulations and other measures to eliminate the sources of plastic pollution;
• Support and build on the new Zero Plastics Initiative with the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) and on the state's existing, successful recycling programs; and
• Educate Rhode Islanders on the importance of and means to reducing and recycling plastics.

Task force members appointed by the Governor, include environmental groups, marinas, relevant industries, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and State agencies. This collaboration will help Rhode Island make meaningful progress in creating a comprehensive, source-reduction approach to address the problems associated with single-use plastics and packaging to create a stronger, safer, and greener Rhode Island for future generations.