Search

Many people forget that reduce and reuse come before recycling in the 3Rs of waste management (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle). While recycling is certainly important, there is often too much focus on diverting single-use disposables from the landfill by recycling or composting instead of stopping this waste before it starts.

Victory! Just in time for Earth Day, Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed a ban on wasteful single-use plastic bags. The ordinance is expected to reduce distribution of nearly 110 million plastic bags annually and decrease plastic litter. Clean Water Action is grateful to have played a part in making this happen. Thank you to every member and supporter who took action! Pittsburgh is now the 6th municipality in the commonwealth to pass this kind of policy, joining Philadelphia, West Chester, and others. The ordinance prohibits retailers and restaurants from distributing single-use plastic

Clean Water Action honors environmental advocates each year during Rhode Island’s annual Breakfast of Champions events. Congratulations to all of our Environmental Advocates, and thank you for all your hard work fighting to protect Rhode Island’s drinking water, environment, and public health. 2025 Champions Dr. Hans Scholl - David R. Gerraughty Award for Lifetime Commitment to the Environment Rep. Megan Cotter - Legislative Champion Warren Heyman and Jim Corwin with the RI School Recycling Project - Reuse and Recycling Award Pawtucket City Councilman Clovis Gregor - Environmental Justice