Our Mission
To reduce and eventually eliminate the use of Single-Use Plastic (SUP) bags in all stores, restaurants, and businesses in Berks County by 2027.
Goals
Why is this Important?
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Plastics are mostly made from fossil fuels, in an energy-intensive process that emits greenhouse gases and often creates hazardous chemicals.
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Approximately 87% of plastic bags, sacks, and wraps are never recycled.
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The U.S. contributes 5x the global average for plastic waste generation per person.
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Recent restrictions on waste imports at countries that typically accepted plastic waste is stressing the U.S. "recycling system" that is already struggling.
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By 2050, it is estimated that there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.
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Studies show links between microplastics and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death; and potential links to reproductive problems, certain cancers, and gut health issues.
(Find additional details here.)
1 / Berks County Community Foundation Podcast with Emily Smedley
What'SUP Berks representatives, Tom Crotty and Linda Dapcic-Angst, shared our mission, accomplishments, and on-going initiatives on banning single-use plastic bags with Emily Smedley from Berks County Community Foundation on March 24. (Podcast link to be shared soon.)
2 / Municipal Networking for Conservation Panel Speaker
At this quarterly luncheon that focused on the topic of "Managing single use plastics through municipal ordinance" as part of the 2026 Series: Conservation Solutions through Proactive Zoning, What'SUP Berks president, Tom Crotty shared our local grass roots efforts consistent with education and raising awareness of the health, environmental, and economic impacts to our Berks population.
3 / What'SUP Berks Spotlighted
What'SUP Berks representatives met with SPOTLIGHT PA General Manager to educate him about What’SUP Berks Mission. We agreed to a “newsletter swap” to help expand the reach of both organizations. We thank SPOTLIGHT PA for the hard work they do every day to inform Pennsylvania and Berks County residents on important local and state-wide issues. Think globally and act locally!
What'SUP Berks enlisted Penn State Berks Environmental Awareness and Community Action Project (EACAP) students to educate local businesses and community groups about the problem of SUP bags and to solicit public endorsements of support. This project is expected to be completed for presentation at the Penn State Sustainability Expo.
3 / Youth Member Collaboration on State Bill
Youth members of What'SUP Berks proposed a draft SUP Bag Ban bill to State Senator Judy Schwann, who graciously agreed to become the primary sponsor.