SPRINGFIELD – A bill passed by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to lessen the use of plastic and Styrofoam was signed into law Friday.

“In order to reduce waste in our landfills and be more conscientious of our impact on the environment, we need alternatives such as using consumer-owned containers,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Not only will restaurants save money on packaging, grocery stores will also help the environment by allowing their customers to use their own items for bulk purchases.”

Edly-Allen’s measure will allow restaurants and retailers to fill and refill consumer-owned containers with bulk or ready-made food.

A restaurant or retailer has to take necessary precautions to prevent cross contamination and make those written procedures available to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen released the following statement after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the General Assembly’s assault weapons ban:

“Military grade assault weapons are just that—created for the military. These weapons of mass destruction do not belong in our neighborhoods. Thankfully, our Illinois Supreme Court agrees. I am proud that the court has prioritized the safety of Illinoisans and upheld this ban on these dangerous weapons.”

LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen invites the public to attend a documentary and discussion of Stateville Calling on August 10.

“It is important our community is informed of the high costs associated with keeping aging inmates in the prison system. Elderly inmates cost our state billions of dollars, and they are the least likely to re-offend,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville).

The event will be held at the University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Dr. in Grayslake from 6 to 8 p.m. It will include a screening and discussion panel on Stateville Calling – an Emmy-nominated documentary that explores parole reform and the struggle of aging inmates in Illinois.

“This is an opportunity to provide the audience with a variety of perspectives and viewpoints regarding parole reform and our aging inmate population,” said Edly-Allen. “I hope this event can shed light on this issue and begin a dialogue on criminal justice reform in Illinois.”

This event is sponsored by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and several other Lake County legislators. It is free, and those planning to attend can register here.

For questions contact Edly-Allen’s district office in Grayslake at (847) 548-5631.

LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is urging agencies across the 31^st District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“Being outdoors is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Spending time in a park is one way to clear your mind and boost serotonin levels, which is why I encourage our local agencies to apply for the OSLAD grant so every resident can have a public safe space,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “By applying for this grant, I hope to see safer and accessible parks that everyone can enjoy.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.