MISSION & HISTORY
MISSION
In order to improve the health and welfare of animals, humans, our communities, and the 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, outreach, and policy initiatives.
BACKGROUND
A Singular Focus on Root Causes
In 2008, 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.
Significant milestones achievements include:
- 2008 BringYourOwnBag was launched
- 2019 PFD led Delaware to become only the 4th state in the U.S. to ban single-use plastic bags
- 2019 the concept for YES! was hatched based on the amazing youth leaders who helped advocate for passage of HB130 and the first youth environmental summit held in early 2020
- 2020 Delaware joins seven other states in banning balloon releases
- 2022 the Delaware Community Composting Initiative was launched
- 2023 Senate Bill 51 bans Expanded Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) by use in Delaware dining establishments (effective July 1, 2025)
- 2024 the first community composting site in Delaware was constructed, permitted and opened
- 2025 - the 6th annual YES! hosted 800+ attendees with 28 breakout sessions, 5 keynote speakers, 50+ exhibitors and more.
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!
