MIDDLEBURY — Everyone interested in reducing the amount of plastic in our environment — and anyone else who uses disposable plastics in Vermont — is invited to a program called “A Campaign to Stop Single Use Plastics: A Forum on Next Steps in Combating Plastic Pollution.” 
The forum will take place Thursday, March 5, from 5-6 p.m., at Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St., in Middlebury. 
Join the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) and Keep Middlebury Beautiful for a presentation on how Vermont passed the nation’s toughest ban on single-use plastics and how the state can continue the fight against plastic pollution. Single-use plastics — such as bags, cups, beverage containers, straws and more — are a kind of pollution like we’ve never seen before. With a useful life of just minutes, this plastic can last in the environment for 500 years or more. Although last year’s law was impressive (banning plastic bags, straws, stirrers, and polystyrene from food establishments), the items covered are just the tip of the iceberg. 
State legislators from the Middlebury area are helping to lead the charge on next steps, so it’s important that they’re hearing from constituents on this issue. 
State Sen. Chris Bray, D-Bristol, is co-chair of the Legislature’s Single Use Products Working Group, which is charged with figuring out how Vermonters can further reduce the use, management and environmental damage of discarded single use products and to increase their diversion from landfills. 
Come learn more about what other throwaway plastics should be banned, how we can encourage a circular economy with less waste, and how we might protect our environment by modernizing Vermont’s successful Bottle Bill. There will also be time for a Q & A after the presentation.