This year, VPIRG’s summer canvass was devoted to one of the most pressing environmental issues facing us today: the single-use plastics crisis. Starting in May, our crew of dedicated canvassers went door to door across the state, sharing information and building powerful grassroots support around this important issue. And what a summer it turned out to be!
As the canvass gained momentum, it quickly became apparent that the issue of plastic pollution was one that resonated deeply with Vermonters in every corner of our beautiful state. The urgency of this issue – and the potential for Vermont to be a true leader in the fight against plastic pollution – was underscored in June when Gov. Phil Scott signed the nation’s most comprehensive ban on single-use plastics.
Energized by that victory, but keenly aware of the vast amount of work still to be done, we went on to have one of the most successful summer canvasses in VPIRG’s history.
This summer our canvassers made it to all 251 cities and towns in the state, knocking on over 96,000 doors, speaking with over 37,000 Vermonters, and collecting more than 21,000 signatures on our petition to Vermont lawmakers urging them to support policies that stop single-use plastics. We’ll be delivering these petitions to the new plastics working group that was established as part of the landmark single-use plastics legislation signed in June.
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to add your signature to the petition.