Dear Sierra Club Members and Supporters,

Plastic pollution is choking our waterways, harming wildlife, and littering our communities. It's time for the cities across Coastal Virginia to tackle this issue by joining the many communities across the state that have taken effective action to reduce single-use plastic bag waste.

Here’s The Good News: The Virginia General Assembly has authorized localities to implement a 5-cent disposable plastic bag fee. This fee has reduced plastic bag consumption and promoted the use of reusable bags in places like Charlottesville and Alexandria. Now, cities across Coastal Virginia have the opportunity to follow their lead.

Why is this important?

• Environmental Protection: Plastic bags pollute our streets, parks, and waterways, harming wildlife and ecosystems. These bags will outlast all of us and the damage they cause will steadily grow without our action.
• Waste Reduction: Implementing the fee will significantly reduce the number of plastic bags entering landfills and our environment. 
• Encourage Better Habits: This fee structure encourages retailers to provide customers with more sustainable bagging solutions. Providing a financial incentive to consumers is an effective way to change habits.
• Community Investment: Revenue generated from the fee can support environmental education and cleanup initiatives. 

Take Action Now!

We urge you to contact the City Council members and mayors in your city and express your support for implementing the 5-cent plastic bag fee. Your voice can make a difference!

Here's how you can help:

1. Contact City Council Members and Mayors: 

• Send an email or call your city council members.
• Express your support for the 5-cent plastic bag fee.
• Share your concerns about plastic pollution in Hampton Roads.
• Refer to the provided letter example, and personalize it with your own voice.

2. Spread the Word: 

• Share this action alert with your friends, family, and neighbors.
• Encourage them to take action as well.

3. Attend City Council Meetings: 

• Show your support by attending city council meetings where this issue is discussed.

Sample Message:

" To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the __________ City Council,

I am writing to express my strong support for the implementation of the 5-cent disposable plastic bag fee. This measure is crucial for reducing plastic pollution in our city and protecting our environment. I urge you to vote in favor of this important initiative.”

Ways to personalize your message:

• Make note of plastic pollution that you have seen in your area. Are there particular parks or streets where you have seen plastic waste collect?
• Advocate for the way in which you avoid plastic bag usage and point to how retailers you support have provided sustainable alternatives.
• Let your elected representatives know how you would feel if this fee was implemented? Ex: “To me, implanting this fee would reduce pollution and make (City) a more enjoyable place to live.” 

To take action find your city council members contact information on our website. While email is an effective way to reach your representative, consider calling their offices to maximize your impact. Let's work together to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Virginia.

Thank you for your advocacy.

Sincerely,

The Sierra Club, Coastal Virginia Group
The Sierra Club, York River Group