Tell Ecology: Don’t wait five years to act on toxic PVC

Washington state leaders have the opportunity to protect health and ban toxic plastics under the state’s groundbreaking Safer Products for Washington law. But right now the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is proposing to delay regulatory action on toxic PVC and PVDC plastics in packaging for five or more years.

Act today: Tell Ecology it must protect health and ban toxic plastic packaging!

Petition text

Director Sixkiller,

Please do not delay action on PVC and PVDC, among the most toxic plastics in use today. I urge you to use your full authority under Safer Products for Washington to ban PVC and PVDC plastic packaging in the current Safer Products for Washington cycle, rather than unnecessarily delaying protections for another five years or more.

Urgent action is needed to reduce and eliminate the most harmful plastics.

PVC and PVDC plastic packaging, made from cancer-causing chemicals, threatens public health and the environment throughout its lifecycle, from fossil fuel extraction and chemical production to everyday use and disposal. Around 13,000 U.S. tons of PVC are used in packaging in Washington per year and it is not recycled, contributing to the growing plastic waste crisis.

PVC microplastics have also been found in human brains, testes, and breast milk.

Safer alternatives already exist.

Delaying action only prolongs preventable harm and increases future costs to taxpayers.

Our health, and the health of our waterways, communities, and wildlife, depends on bold leadership to address toxic plastics now.

Thank you.