Plastic Pollution Awareness

2026 Regular Session

Designates Plastic Pollution Awareness Week (July 12–18, 2026) to educate Coloradans about plastic pollution and mobilize action across sectors to reduce it.

Introduced In House - Assigned to

#generalassembly

1) Purpose and Intent

Designates a statewide observance, Plastic Pollution Awareness Week, from July 12 to July 18, 2026.

The resolution aims to educate Colorado residents about plastic pollution, its environmental and human health impacts, and to encourage action from individuals, communities, businesses, and policymakers.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Declares July 12–18, 2026 as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week in Colorado.

Acknowledges:

The benefits of plastic products in health care and food safety, but recognizes growing challenges from plastic pollution.
The state's efforts to reduce plastic pollution and improve recycling systems.
Recycling as one tool among many to address pollution; not a standalone solution.
The importance of raising public awareness to help consumers make informed purchases and advocate for solutions, while encouraging companies to intensify pollution-reduction efforts.

The resolution explicitly outlines the rationale for awareness: to inform and mobilize action across sectors (consumers, businesses, institutions, nonprofits, and government) to reduce plastic pollution.

It directs that copies of the resolution be distributed to a list of environmental and consumer groups in Colorado (e.g., Eco-Cycle, CoPIRG, Conservation Colorado, Environment Colorado, Moms Clean Air Force, League of Women Voters, and several others).

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

Public awareness and educational outreach initiatives during the designated Plastic Pollution Awareness Week.

Stakeholders likely to engage include:

General Colorado residents
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations focused on environment, public health, and consumer protection
State agencies and local governments involved in waste management, recycling, and climate-related efforts
Businesses and institutions encouraged to participate in reducing plastic pollution

The bill itself does not impose new regulatory requirements or funding; rather, it calls for awareness and engagement and signals a focus area for policymakers and stakeholders.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative history:

Introduced and assigned to committees in April 2026.
Passed the Senate in Third Reading on April 22, 2026, with no amendments.
The action history indicates the resolution is a concurrent resolution designating a statewide awareness week.

Start date for designation: July 12, 2026; end date: July 18, 2026.

No fiscal impact or statutory changes are specified in the text; the measure serves as an observance and advocacy prompt.

5) Observations

The resolution emphasizes both the benefits and environmental/health risks of plastics.

It highlights environmental justice considerations by noting disproportionate impacts in low-income and communities of color near refineries and plastic facilities.

The document lists specific organizations to receive copies, indicating a coordinated advocacy and outreach effort.

This bill is a symbolic, non-binding resolution intended to promote awareness and collaboration to reduce plastic pollution in Colorado. It does not create new laws, penalties, or funding mechanisms.

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