Take Action
Now that you’ve learned about the harm that single-use bags causes, it’s time to do something about it! We’ll definitely give you some tips that you can use to decrease your plastic bag usage on an individual level, but that’s not really what this initiative is about. We want to enable you to organize and reach out to local legislators that can help solve the structural problem. Our main focus is to create a coordinated effort when it counts: the 2020 VA General Assembly legislative session.
This year, the #LitterFreeVA campaign encourages Virginia legislators to adopt a local-option bag fee. In plain language, a local-option bag fee means that the state will allow local governments to independently decide whether imposing a fee on single-use bags is best for their own communities. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which means localities must ask the state legislature for permission to govern themselves on most issues. More on potential legislation can be found here. Regardless, variations of said bill will be discussed and introduced during the 2020 VA General Assembly. If all goes well, legislation to the conservation community’s liking will reach the house floor, and we’ll need you to help us get it passed!
Become a Hashtag Warrior – Document VA’s Litter Problems Using #LitterFreeVA
Do you regularly snag selfies? Do you take your avocado toast on a photoshoot before you dig in? If so, this may be the perfect task for you. We’ve spoken to legislators, and they need photographic proof of the litter issues we’re having. Consequently, a main focus this year is to document Virginia’s litter problems using the hashtag #LitterFreeVA. This is super easy and (super?) fun. Any time you walk by litter, take a photo, upload it to Twitter or Instagram, and tag us using #LitterFreeVA. Bonus points if you add location (including zip code if possible) as well as a bit of colorful (but positive) commentary. Remember: your profile must be public in order for us to collect your photo.
Organize and/or Contact Your Local Representatives
In the coming months, we’ll be adding region-specific talking points, social media flyers, fact sheets and more to our Campaign Toolbox to help you make your case to your local Elks Club, Sierra Club, YMCA, bar or wherever you want to spread change.
Your local state senators and representatives have a lot to do. They can’t keep track of every issue, so it’s on you to let them know that this is an issue you care about! Click here to find your local rep’s contact information.
If you live in Northern Virginia, use this drop down menu to find out who your local County or City elected officials are.
Once you have found your elected officials, follow this link to send a pre-written email – fill out the form with your info and your elected officials contact information and you can send them a pre-written email asking that they combat litter and plastic pollution in your community by enacting a single-use bag fee!
Please note that representatives will only listen to their own constituents. Do not waste time contacting a rep that’s not your own. If you really want to put pressure on a representative outside your locality, convince citizens within that locality to contact their rep! Also, you might not know, but there’s a hierarchy of advocacy. In descending order, here are the best ways to get your state representative’s attention:
- Set up a meeting with your local representative to talk about this issue — if possible, during the legislative session and also beforehand. Talking points will be up shortly so you can impress them.
- Send a personalized letter or postcard (with your name, address and phone number) that mentions this issue. The more you send, and the more your friends send, the better! See sample postcard here.
- Get a group of people to send an email in which the subject line contains the bill name (to be determined) or the issue (local option single-use bag fee). The body of the email should mention your full name, local address and phone number, and a very short message on why you care about this issue. See sample email here.
You’re Very, Very Busy – Donate
This initiative isn’t about raising money, but people have asked us about this option. If you’d like to donate to the cause/issue, we suggest sending your money or time to one of our partner organizations that focuses on this and other important green issues. Also, please do donate good Instagram photos with the hashtags #LitterFreeVA so we have more proof of the devastating effects of litter!
POSITIVE CAMPAIGN ALERT!
We want to make sure you know that the #LitterFreeVA is a campaign of positivity, civility and any other nice words you can think of. While we encourage passion and urgency, we implore you to be positive (and truthful) when sharing information and when speaking to local representatives and community groups. Studies show that positive messaging is by far the most effective way to foster change in others! Negativity can inhibit empathy, or even worse, it can create apathy. We understand it can be frustrating, especially for those on the front-lines of environmental degradation. We’re here to help you stay positive.
