​​The Issue

Since Philadelphia implemented the plastic bag ban, we've seen encouraging progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable city. But we also know enforcement can be inconsistent, and plastic bags are still showing up in our neighborhoods—on our sidewalks, tangled in trees, and floating through parks. As community members committed to environmental justice and cleaner streets, we’re taking matters into our own hands to better understand where these bags are coming from.

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Proposal

The Clean Philly Now initiative with Clean Water Action, Trash Academy, and Block by Block Philly are launching a community-powered survey to document where and how plastic bags are still being distributed. This grassroots tool will collect data directly from you—residents and everyday observers—to identify non-compliant businesses and locations across the city. With enough responses, we can create a clear map of violations and bring that information to city officials, community leaders, and the public to advocate for better enforcement and policy follow-up. 

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Why It Matters

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Plastic pollution isn't just an eyesore—it has real environmental, economic, and health impacts. When plastic bags break down, they don’t disappear—they become microplastics that pollute our soil and waterways, harming wildlife and entering our food chain. In neighborhoods already dealing with environmental injustice, continued plastic bag use adds to the systemic neglect. By standing up for enforcement and holding businesses accountable, we’re not only cleaning our streets—we’re protecting our health, our ecosystems, and our city’s future.

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How You Can Help

If you’ve seen plastic bags being handed out or sold anywhere in Philly, we want to hear from you. You can help by filling out our short survey—it only takes a couple of minutes and can make a real difference. The more responses we receive, the more powerful our case becomes. Share this page with your neighbors, friends, and community groups. Let’s hold businesses accountable and help make Philly cleaner and greener!

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