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Senate designates July 2026 as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week
Summary
The Colorado Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 22 on April 22, designating July 2026 as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week after sponsor Senator Cutter described rising plastic production, low recycling rates and possible human-health impacts from micro- and nano-plastics.
The Colorado Senate on April 22 adopted Senate Joint Resolution 22, designating July 2026 as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week. Sponsor Senator Cutter argued the resolution is intended to educate Coloradans about plastic pollution’s environmental and human-health risks and to encourage local and state action.
Cutter told the chamber, “Plastic pollution is out of control. ... In more than half a century, we have generated more than 9,000,000,000 tons of plastic, yet less than 10% of that plastic has actually been recycled.” She cited research on microplastics and nano-plastics and said those particles can be inhaled, eaten or otherwise distributed to vital organs.
The resolution’s text, read at length on the floor, notes concern about chemical additives used in plastic production and language in the resolution points to disproportionate harms to low-income communities and communities of color located near refineries and production facilities. The resolution also recognizes the limits of recycling and encourages broader measures to reduce plastic pollution and to improve recycling systems.
Senators voted to adopt SJR 22; the clerk recorded 25 ayes, 9 noes, 0 absent and 1 excused. The resolution lists several partner groups to receive copies, including EcoCycle, Green Latinos Colorado, the Colorado Public Interest Research Group, Healthy Air and Water Colorado, Conservation Colorado and other environmental organizations.
By adopting the nonbinding resolution, the General Assembly formalizes a statewide observance intended to prompt public education and collaboration among communities, businesses and the legislature.
