(1)  Plastic pollution is dangerous to the health of our oceans and ocean species, contributes to climate change, and is a major component of unsightly litter both on our lands and in our waters;

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(2)  Plastics that enter the marine environment break down through wave action and sunlight into smaller pieces called microplastics, which can be ingested by marine life, putting Rhode Island’s fishing industries and aquatic ecosystems at risks;

(3)  Plastic bags and thin plastic films are the predominant contaminant of recycling loads in Rhode Island;

(4)  Single-use plastic bags have severe environmental impacts on a local and global scale, including pollution of our waters, harm to marine and wildlife, greenhouse gas emissions, blocking storm drains, and creating litter;

(5)  It is in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of citizens of and visitors to Rhode Island to protect our environment and our natural resources by reducing the distribution of single-use plastic checkout bags and incentivizing the use of reusable bags.