Safe Drinking Water for All!
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[1]

MARCH 2023

[Safe Drinking Water for All: Protecting Communities from Plastic
During U.S. Lead Pipe Replacement] [2]

Dear John,

WATER WAS A CONSISTENT THEME flowing through our work this month. Our March
webinar, SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR ALL: PROTECTING COMMUNITIES FROM PLASTIC
DURING U.S. LEAD PIPE REPLACEMENT [2], took place a day after World Water
Day [3] and was part of the 2023 UN Water Conference [4]. The webinar’s
expert panel of scientists, frontline activists, and community organizers
shared their POWERFUL AND INSPIRING STORIES and highlighted the importance
of REPLACING LEAD PIPES WITH NON-TOXIC AND NON-PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES [5].

OVER 2 BILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE LACK ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER [6],
which is a pretty startling fact, but the truth is that even those of us
with access to tap water aren't always in the clear. OUTDATED PIPES AND
REGULATIONS MEAN THAT MANY OF US ARE STILL AT RISK of exposure to harmful
contaminants like lead, plastics, and PFAS. And for those of us living in
predominantly Black, Brown, Indigenous, low-income, or rural areas, THE
RISKS ARE EVEN HIGHER DUE TO NUMEROUS AND LONGSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL
INJUSTICES. WATER FILTERS OFFER A SOLUTION [7] to help protect you and your
family from microplastics and other pollutants in drinking water.

FRAN DRESCHER, Actor and President of the Screen Actors Guild–American
Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), RECENTLY ANNOUNCED
THE CREATION OF THE GREEN COUNCIL [8]—a partnership between SAG-AFTRA and
the Motion Picture Association (MPA) dedicated to PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY
AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY within the entertainment industry. The
Green Council’s first mission is to ELIMINATE SINGLE-USE WATER BOTTLES
BOTH ON AND OFF SCREEN. In March we also celebrated nine films nominated
for The Oscar Awards [9] that pass Plastic Pollution Coalition’s
Begley-Cohen Test [10], helping to Flip the Script on Plastics [11]. We
also described how the plastic-free principles portrayed in HBO’s popular
post-apocalyptic series _The Last of Us_ [12] help support the culture
shift we need to end plastic pollution.

PLASTIC POLLUTION AFFECTS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING, and interferes with the
UN-designated human right of safe drinking water. From informing individual
changes to supporting systemic solutions, delivering facts and celebrating
on-screen plastic-free imagery, Plastic Pollution Coalition is building a
MORE JUST, EQUITABLE, REGENERATIVE WORLD free of plastic pollution and its
toxic impacts.

Thank you for your continued support. Our work is POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE
DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT.
We are grateful for your commitment to our shared vision.

Onward,

[Dianna Cohen]

Dianna Cohen, MPH
Co-Founder & CEO
Plastic Pollution Coalition

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

[Toxic-Free Water: Filters as a Solution to Protect Your Health from
Plastic and Other Pollutants] [7]

★ TOXIC-FREE WATER: FILTERS AS A SOLUTION TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH FROM
PLASTIC AND OTHER POLLUTANTS
Water comprises the majority of the planet and our bodies, and without it,
there would be no life on Earth. Water is so important that the United
Nations recognizes it as a Human Right. Unfortunately, water is not
guaranteed to all: An estimated 2 billion people do not have access to safe
drinking water worldwide, and 800 million do not have access to any
reliable drinking water source. Drinking water filters are a safe solution
to protect your family’s health from plastic and other pollutants. Read
more [7].

★ MARCH WEBINAR: SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR ALL: PROTECTING COMMUNITIES FROM
PLASTIC DURING U.S. LEAD PIPE REPLACEMENT [2]
During our March 23 webinar, we were joined by BRANDI WILLIAMS, Good
Trouble Department Civil and Human Rights & Fields Campaign Director, Hip
Hop Caucus [13]; SHARON LAVIGNE, Founder of Rise St. James [14] and 2021
Recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize; JUDITH ENCK, President of
Beyond Plastics [15] and former Regional Administrator for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency; DR. TERRENCE COLLINS, Professor of Green
Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University [16]; and ERICA CIRINO, Plastic
Pollution Coalition Communications Manager and author of _Thicker Than
Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis_ [17]. The webinar was
moderated by MADISON DENNIS, Filtered Not Bottled Campaign Coordinator,
Plastic Pollution Coalition [5]. Watch here. [2]

★ U.S. EPA ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER FEDERAL STANDARDS TO REGULATE TOXIC PFAS
“FOREVER CHEMICALS”
On March 14, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration proposed the first-ever
national standards for six dangerous “forever chemicals,” which have
been detected throughout drinking water sources in the U.S. This latest
Federal action complements existing actions already set forth by the Biden
Administration to address toxic PFAS pollution in drinking water, including
major investments to help communities on the frontlines of PFAS pollution
and health assistance to firefighters exposed to PFAS. Read more [18].

★ PLASTIC & THE APOCALYPSE: HOW THE LAST OF US PRESENTS WASTE & REUSE
_The Last of Us_, HBO’s latest hit prestige drama, based on a popular
video game of the same name, is one of the latest examples of modern
apocalyptic storytelling. Set 20 years after a mass fungal infection
sparked a global pandemic, the show doesn’t discuss plastic directly, but
characters who engage in plastic-free principles show us why ending plastic
pollution is good for our survival (apocalypse or not). Read more [12].

★ PLASTIC-FREE OSCARS: 9 AWARD-WINNING FILMS THAT PASS THE BEGLEY-COHEN
TEST
In Hollywood, the most important season is awards season, typically kicked
off by the Golden Globes in January and culminating in March with the
pinnacle of all film awards, The Oscars. While folks are busy catching up
on the nominated films and guessing who might take home the ultimate award
of Best Picture, at Plastic Pollution Coalition, we have another question
on our minds: which award-worthy films are also plastic-free and
plastic-aware? Read more [9].

★ TOXIC PLASTICS, FOSSIL FUELS, AND CHEMICALS ARE ALL AROUND US
Toxic plastics, fossil fuels, and chemicals are often produced,
transported, stored, and disposed of, just out of sight or in ways you
might not notice. Past and recent train-related plastic and petrochemical
accidents, including the recent freight train disaster in East Palestine,
Ohio, have shed unfortunate but necessary light on the hazards of moving
highly flammable and toxic materials by rail—and why a key solution is to
end plastic pollution. Read more [19].

★ CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH THE WOMEN OF PLASTIC
POLLUTION COALITION
As we celebrate International Women’s Day each March, it’s important to
recognize the amazing work that women all over the world are doing to
create positive change in their communities and beyond. At Plastic
Pollution Coalition, we are proud to have a team of incredible women who
are dedicated to advocating for a world free of plastic pollution and
protecting the planet. To honor the occasion, several of the women on our
team each chose to honor a woman who has inspired them in their work. Read
more [20].

★ TRAINS CARRYING TOXIC PLASTICS AND CHEMICALS DERAIL IN OHIO AND
MICHIGAN
In two months, four trains carrying toxic plastics and chemicals derailed
in the U.S.—two in Ohio (East Palestine and Springfield), one in Van
Buren Township, Michigan, and one in Calhoun County, Alabama. While the
U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee convened a hearing on
the catastrophic event in East Palestine, affected communities are calling
for action and accountability—showing us much more must be done to
address the dangers of carrying toxic plastics and chemicals by rail. Read
more [21].

★ DOJ AND EPA FILE COMPLAINT OVER DENKA FACILITY’S AIR POLLUTION CANCER
RISKS IN ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, LOUISIANA
A new major federal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the
Eastern District of Louisiana brings to light how a neoprene plastic
factory run by Denka Performance Elastomer presents an “imminent and
substantial endangerment to public health and welfare due to the cancer
risks from Denka’s chloroprene emissions,” according to the official
complaint. Denka’s facility is the only such plant emitting toxic
chloroprene in the United States. Read more [22].

★ GREEN COUNCIL: SAG-AFTRA AND MPA TEAM UP TO ELIMINATE SINGLE-USE
PLASTIC IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
The recent Screen Actors Guild Awards held on February 26, 2023, were not
just about recognizing outstanding performances in the entertainment
industry. During the ceremony, Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of
Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) president Fran Drescher made an
announcement that signaled the beginning of a new green revolution in
Hollywood. Read more [8].

UPCOMING EVENTS

[Join Young People From Around the U.S. Taking Action for Earth Week]
[23]

★ JOIN YOUNG PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE U.S. TAKING ACTION FOR EARTH WEEK
Youth Earth Week is a project of the Student PIRGs. For nearly 50 years,
they’ve helped students to get organized, mobilized, and energized so
they may continue to be on the cutting edge of positive change. Join with
youth from around the country April 22–28, 2023, at events across the
U.S. to call for bold action to protect our environment and public health.
Learn more [23].

★ JOIN THE VIRTUAL BREAK FREE FROM PLASTIC YOUTH SUMMIT APRIL 14–15,
2023
The Break Free From Plastic Youth Summit is an alliance building and
capacity building virtual event for youth organizations and networks from
all around the world to gain knowledge about the Global Plastics Treaty
(GPT) and to learn about what it means for them as young people. This event
will open doors for global youth organizations and alliances to join the
global #BreakFreeFromPlastic membership, support GPT demands of civic
society groups, and direct their energy towards national campaigns for the
GPT. Register for the Summit [24].

★ APRIL 19 WEBINAR: GREENWASHING: DEBUNKING THE PLASTIC INDUSTRY’S
FALSE NARRATIVE
Join Plastic Pollution Coalition on APRIL 19, 2023, for a special webinar
focusing on the issue of “GREENWASHING” in the plastics industry—the
epidemic of BUSINESSES FALSELY ADVERTISING PRODUCTS AND INITIATIVES AS
ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE AND FRIENDLY WHEN THEY ARE NOT, masking real HARM
CAUSED TO THE PLANET AND PEOPLE. We will be joined by GEORGE HARDING-ROLLS,
Campaign Manager for CHANGING MARKETS FOUNDATION [25]; SUMONA MAJUMDAR,
Executive Director for EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE [26]; and EMMA PRIESTLAND,
Global Corporate Campaigns Coordinator for BREAK FREE FROM PLASTIC [27] in
a conversation moderated by SHILPI CHHOTRAY, Co-Founder & Executive
Director of PEOPLE OVER PLASTIC [28]. Sign up [29].

➤ FIND MORE EVENTS ON OUR WEBSITE. [30]

TAKE ACTION

[Tell JPMorgan Chase: Defund Formosa Plastics] [31]

★ TELL JPMORGAN CHASE: DEFUND FORMOSA PLASTICS
While Formosa Plastics’ “Sunshine Project” has been paused as a
result of St. James’ residents’ activism [32], Formosa has appealed
this decision and its operations elsewhere continue. TELL JPMORGAN CHASE TO
LIVE UP TO ITS “COMMITMENTS” TO HUMAN RIGHTS, RESPONSIBLE INVESTING,
AND RACIAL EQUITY BY DIVESTING ITS CURRENT SHARES IN FORMOSA PLASTICS—a
plastics producer with one of the worst environmental and human rights
track records in the world. SIGN THE PETITION [31].

★ TELL TRADER JOE'S TO SKIP SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PACKAGING
Currently it’s nearly impossible to shop at Trader Joe’s without
bringing home a MASSIVE AMOUNT OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PACKAGING. By
significantly reducing its use of single-use plastic packaging, Trader
Joe's could make a considerable positive impact on the environment and SET
AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHER RETAILERS to follow. Sign the petition [33].

★ TELL EPA: DON’T REPLACE LEAD PIPES WITH PLASTIC POLLUTION
The U.S. Federal government has approved $15 billion to replace toxic lead
services lines bringing water into the homes of 22 million people in the
U.S. SIGN THE PETITION [34] TO ENSURE THIS FUNDING GOES TO SAFE,
NON-PLASTIC SOLUTIONS THAT PUT COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY FIRST.

OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

[Explore Sustainable Brands on Karma Wallet] [35]

★ EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS ON KARMA WALLET
Karma Wallet [36] makes it easy for you to find companies taking meaningful
action for the planet. Their free platform lets you view and compare over
14,000+ company sustainability ratings (including all Plastic Pollution
Coalition Members!), analyze the impact of your shopping decisions with
your personal Karma Score, and earn cashback for sustainable shopping.
Create your free account and start browsing Plastic Pollution Coalition
members at Karma Wallet [36].

★ APPLY FOR YOUR $1 MILLION UNRESTRICTED GIFT FROM THE YIELD GIVING OPEN
CALL
The Yield Giving Open Call will award unrestricted gifts of $1 million each
to 250 organizations and seeks community-led, community-focused
organizations whose explicit purpose is to advance the voices and
opportunities of individuals and families of meager or modest means, and
groups who have met with discrimination and other systemic obstacles.
INTERESTED ORGANIZATIONS MUST REGISTER TO APPLY BY FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023,
WITH APPLICATIONS DUE BY MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2023. Organizations must have an
annual operating budget of at least $1 million and no more than $5 million
for at least two of the last four fiscal years to be eligible to apply.
Application information is here [37].

★ EPA ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT PROGRAMS
The U.S. EPA has announced $100 million in total funding for Environmental
Justice Grants, and we encourage our Members to take advantage of this
opportunity. We know such grants can be cumbersome for some smaller groups
given the substantial amount of paperwork involved, but there may be value
in looking into this opportunity for your organization or group of
organizations. APPLICATION PACKAGES MUST BE SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE APRIL
10, 2023 AT 11:59 PM EST. Application information is here [38].

★ EMERGING LEADERS FUND
The Claneil Foundation created The Emerging Leaders Fund to support the
critical role that executive directors play in launching and growing
early-stage organizations. The Foundation awards a four-year unrestricted
general operating grant totaling $300,000 to each recipient’s
organization along with access to a support network of peers. Recipients
are selected based on their creative vision, leadership capacity, potential
for impact, and commitment to innovation and learning in one or more of the
following issue areas: education, hunger & nutrition/food system, health &
human services, and environment. Please note the Claneil Foundation does
not accept self-nominations. NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

★ EXPLORE PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION’S RESOURCE LIBRARY
A wealth of resources are available in our online library to help educate
and mobilize individuals to take action on plastic pollution. From research
and reports to educational materials, the library has something for
everyone. Whether you're an individual looking to reduce your own plastic
footprint or an organization looking for ways to make a bigger impact,
PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION'S RESOURCE LIBRARY is a great place to start.
LEARN MORE [39].

YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

DONATE [40]

#PLASTICPOLLUTES

[Facebook] [41] [Instagram] [42] [Twitter] [43] [Youtube] [44]

Plastic Pollution Coalition is a non-profit communications and advocacy
organization that collaborates with an expansive global alliance of
organizations, businesses, and individuals to create a more just,
equitable, regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic
impacts. Plastic Pollution Coalition is a project of Earth Island
Institute, a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, organized and existing under
the laws of California (Federal Tax ID #94-2889684).

PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION
4401A Connecticut Avenue NW #143
Washington, DC 20008
[email protected]
(323) 936-3010

SUBSCRIBE [45] | UNSUBSCRIBE [46]

Copyright © 2023 Plastic Pollution Coalition



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