Bring Back Refill
California: YES on AB 2762
Story of Stuff is sponsoring the California Reusable Beverage Container Act (AB 2762 Friedman) in the state legislature. Imagine, for example, 25% of bottled water and soda being sold in packaging that gets returned, washed, refilled and reused.
The bill would:
- Require major beverage companies to sell an increasing percentage of their drinks in reusable, refillable containers over the course of 10 years
- Slash plastic pollution, reduce packaging waste, and tackle litter by reducing single-use plastic bottles and creating a state-wide circular economy for beverages
- Save local government and taxpayer money by reducing recycling and litter management costs
- Create good green jobs; reusables create jobs in transporting, sorting, washing and refilling
- Support frontline communities and environmental justice efforts by reducing dependence on toxic plastic, which pollutes at every step of production, from extraction to disposal
- Hold corporations accountable for their waste and ensure beverage companies make better packaging choices for people and the planet
This is an exciting opportunity. A reusable, refillable beverage bill like this has never been passed before in the US. Let’s make California a leader for more states to follow.
Ways to Take Action
1. Send a Postcard to Your Reps
Mail a handwritten postcard directly to your California representatives. We provide postcards, stamps, recommendations of who to write to and sample messages.
These “Wish You Were Here” vintage vacation-inspired postcards feature different countries that are reuse success stories. Germany and the Philippines have over 50% of their bottled beverages sold in reusables and refilled!
Short on time? You can fill out a virtual postcard and we will send it for you.
2. Call Your Assemblymember
Use our tool to easily call your rep and urge them to vote YES on the bill. We have you covered with everything you need: who to call, what number to dial and a sample script of what to say. It’s empowering to make your voice heard to those who are passing laws! Remember, it is a crucial part of their role to listen to and represent you.
3. Share on Social Media
Tag your representatives on Twitter/X and urge them to support.
- Step 1: Look up your reps and their Twitter/X account
- Step 2: Post! Here’s an example:
@isaacgbryan @HeathFloraCA Let’s reduce litter and plastic pollution, create green jobs, and hold corporations accountable for their waste. Vote YES on AB 2762 (Friedman), the CA Reusable Beverage Container Act. Cheers to bringing back refill!
Thank you for advocating! Change doesn’t happen without changemakers like you.
Questions? Email Alex at alex [at] storyofstuff [dot] org.
