Plastic Free Delaware
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  • More
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
      • MISSION & HISTORY
      • WHO WE ARE
      • 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
      • IN THE NEWS
    • SINGLE USE PLASTICS
      • SINGLE USE PLASTICS
      • BAGS
      • BALLOONS
      • POLYSTYRENE FOAM
      • STRAWS
    • ZERO WASTE
      • ZERO WASTE PRINCIPLES
      • FOOD WASTE/COMPOSTING
      • RIGHT TO REPAIR
    • COMMUNITY COMPOSTING
      • ABOUT DCCI
      • DCCI SITES
      • DCCI SCHOOL PROGRAMS
      • COMPOSTING RESOURCES
    • EDUCATION/PROGRAMS
      • YES! YOUTH SUMMIT
      • DE COMPOSTING INITIATIVE
      • WILD&SCENIC FILM PROGRAM
      • HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTT
      • SCHOOL RESOURCES
      • WEBINARS
    • GET INVOLVED!
      • TAKE ACTION
      • SUPPORT
      • EVENTS
      • CALENDAR
      • CONTACT
      • SUBSCRIBE
      • REPORT VIOLATIONS
Plastic Free Delaware
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • MISSION & HISTORY
    • WHO WE ARE
    • 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
    • IN THE NEWS
  • SINGLE USE PLASTICS
    • SINGLE USE PLASTICS
    • BAGS
    • BALLOONS
    • POLYSTYRENE FOAM
    • STRAWS
  • ZERO WASTE
    • ZERO WASTE PRINCIPLES
    • FOOD WASTE/COMPOSTING
    • RIGHT TO REPAIR
  • COMMUNITY COMPOSTING
    • ABOUT DCCI
    • DCCI SITES
    • DCCI SCHOOL PROGRAMS
    • COMPOSTING RESOURCES
  • EDUCATION/PROGRAMS
    • YES! YOUTH SUMMIT
    • DE COMPOSTING INITIATIVE
    • WILD&SCENIC FILM PROGRAM
    • HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTT
    • SCHOOL RESOURCES
    • WEBINARS
  • GET INVOLVED!
    • TAKE ACTION
    • SUPPORT
    • EVENTS
    • CALENDAR
    • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • REPORT VIOLATIONS

MISSION & HISTORY

MISSION

In order to improve the health and welfare of animals, humans, our communities and our environment, 

Plastic Free Delaware aims to eliminate the scourge of 

plastic pollution and build a culture of zero waste 

in Delaware through educational programs, 

awareness building, and policy initiatives.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM Plastic Free DelawARE's TIMELINE

Founded in 2010 as BringYourOwnBag Delaware

    BACKGROUND

    A Singular Focus on Root Causes

    In 2010, the Brandywine Sprouts, a Delaware Roots & Shoots youth chapter out of the Jane Goodall Institute, was inspired to take action regarding the single-use plastic bags which litter our communities and coasts, harm marine animals and birds, contribute to climate change, and even impact human health.  The Roots & Shoots program out of the Jane Goodall Institute is about making positive change happen—for our communities, for animals and for the environment.   Roots & Shoots is made up of tens of thousands of young people in almost 100 countries, where the network connects youth of all ages who share a desire to create a better world.  Young people identify problems in their communities and take action.  Through service projects in youth-led campaigns, Roots & Shoots members are making a difference across the globe. 


    BringYourOwnBag (BYOB) Delaware was launched to undertake educational outreach, awareness building, and policy change to address the issue of single-use plastic bag pollution. In June 2019, with passage of House Bill 130, due to PFD's leadership, commitment and efforts, Delaware became the fourth state in the U.S. to pass a law banning single-use plastic bags, thereby fulfilling PFD's founding mission.

    Even before HB130’s passage, BringYourOwnBag matured into Plastic Free Delaware as the organization began to address other single-use plastic pollution issues beyond just plastic bags.  PFD's mission expanded to include single-use plastic straws, balloon releases, expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam), bottles, cigarette butts, and more.  Further,  the mission expanded into the broader realm of cultivating a “zero waste” culture (Zero Waste First State).  No longer the Brandywine Sprouts and their "done-in-a-day" project (which took almost a decade), PFD has evolved into a well-respected, statewide organization with a solid volunteer corps, programs and partners.  It is the only organization in the state focused on reducing waste and fostering a circular, sustainable culture.


    Operated initially under a fiscal sponsorship, in 2020 PFD became a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  Early on, PFD formed and continues to lead the Delaware Plastic Pollution Action Coalition which includes other environmental organizations and stakeholder groups that work together to catalyze the collective power of advocacy on related policy initiatives.

    JOIN US!

    With significant successes under our belt and momentum building, PFD has its sights set on continuing to grow its base of support and corps of advocates, expanding programs to educate the public and decision-makers, and achieving additional policy objectives.


    We welcome you to join us!

    Copyright © 2023 Plastic Free Delaware - All Rights Reserved


    Plastic Free Delaware is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN #85-2916447


    Non-discrimination Statement:

    Plastic Free Delaware does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. 

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