You didn't ask for your cucumber to be wrapped in plastic—industry decided that for you. And we are learning more and more that when we eat or drink from plastic containers, we are ingesting plastic particles and absorbing their toxic chemicals. Now is the time for representatives to intervene for the people and get plastic packaging off of our food and drinks.

American food and beverage systems have become inundated with plastic packaging. Plastic fast food containers, plastic water bottles, plastic utensils, and even individually plastic-wrapped produce have become the norm.

This plastic packaging sheds dangerous micro- and nanoplastics and leaches harmful plastic chemicals— such as BPA, PFAS, and pthalates—into food. These particles and chemicals have been found throughout our bodies, and have been linked to serious health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, developmental problems, heart disease, and even premature death.

Health conditions linked to harmful chemicals in plastics cost the U.S. an estimated additional $250 billion in healthcare expenses in 2018 alone. Plastic products might be marketed as cheap and convenient, but the true costs of plastics are passed on to families, taxpayers, and future generations. Meanwhile plastic producers reap enormous profits.

We have a fundamental human right to safe, nutritious sustenance—free from microplastics and toxic chemicals. America’s federal and state representatives must take action to restrict dangerous plastic food and beverage packaging. Send a letter to your state and federal legislators now! Our health depends on it.