Over 20 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes and Chicago-area waterways annually, the majority being single-use plastics with an average use of just a few short minutes. Once in the water, plastic breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics — toxic particles that make their way into drinking water, harm animal life and contribute to environmental degradation.

To tackle excessive plastic pollution and safeguard Illinois’ natural resources, State Senator Cristina Castro is working with consumers, businesses and environmental experts to pass legislation to cut down on single-use plastic bags.

“Illinois can’t be a true, nationwide climate leader if we leave our natural resources behind without addressing the hazards posed by plastic pollution,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We as legislators have a responsibility to strive toward sustainability and protect our fragile ecosystems for future generations.”

The Public Interest Research Group estimates Illinois could save approximately 3.7 billion single-use plastic bags from being used each year by restricting the sale of these items. This would mean fewer microplastics entering local rivers and streams, less plastic litter in streets, parks and highways, and fewer toxic chemicals being ingested by Illinois families.

“This proposal represents a measured approach that balances the ability of retailers to respond to changing consumer demands while maintaining the flexibility businesses need to thrive,” said Alec Laird, senior vice president of government relations for the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “We thank Sen. Cristina Castro for her dedicated efforts to bring retailers and environmental groups together to negotiate a solution that is workable for all.”

Castro’s proposal seeks to prevent large and mid-size retailers from offering single-use plastic checkout bags to customers, but would allow them to offer recycled paper bags as an alternative. Municipalities in Illinois with current plastic bag taxes would not be able to continue charging working families for plastic bags but rather would also have to eliminate their use. Recognizing the potential impact on small businesses, it would exclude restaurants, gas stations under 5,000 square feet in size, and small independent retailers with fewer than 12 locations within Illinois.

Senate Bill 1872 passed the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee Thursday.