Whether Earth Day or Your Birthday, Celebrate Every Day Plastic-Free!
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[1]

APRIL 2023

[Revitalize Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All]
[2]

Dear John,

HAPPY EARTH MONTH! As April turns to May, we at Plastic Pollution Coalition
want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of TAKING CARE OF
OURSELVES AND OUR PLANET. Earth is our home, and it's up to us to protect
it, as well as each other. 

This is a time of year when many people are inspired to consider THEIR
IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT'S IMPACTS ON US.
Unfortunately, PLASTIC PRODUCERS AND USERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SEASON OF
SUSTAINABILITY AWARENESS AND BOMBARD US WITH DECEPTIVE PRODUCTS, SERVICES,
AND MESSAGING offering false, and often harmful “solutions.” This kind
of deceptive marketing is known as “GREENWASHING.” Luckily, THERE ARE
WAYS TO RECOGNIZE AND AVOID PLASTIC POLLUTION GREENWASHING [3]. To further
advance important truths about greenwashing, our APRIL 19TH WEBINAR
featured a panel of experts who provided practical tips on identifying,
avoiding, and naming COMMON GREENWASHING TACTICS USED BY PLASTIC PRODUCERS.
Watch the recording [4].

This month, TWO IMPORTANT REPORTS AND A _New York Times_ article [5]
UNVEILED THE PERILS OF VINYL CHLORIDE AND POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
PLASTIC—the hazardous pollutants involved in February’s train
derailment in East Palestine Ohio [6]—which present substantial threats
to both human health and the environment. A report from Toxic-Free Future
[7] highlights how producing these chemicals EMITS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF
POUNDS OF CARCINOGENS INTO THE ATMOSPHERE ANNUALLY, with BIPOC, rural, and
low-income communities bearing the brunt of the impact. A report by Beyond
Plastics [8] (along with Plastic Pollution Coalition & Environmental Health
Sciences) delves into THE RISKS PVC PIPES POSE TO COMMUNITIES, and why THEY
ARE NOT SAFE ALTERNATIVES FOR THE LEAD PIPE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS now
beginning to get underway across the U.S.

Just before Earth Day, the White House announced a new Executive Order to
Revitalize Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All [2],
which includes “NEW STEPS TO COMBAT PLASTIC POLLUTION IN COMMUNITIES.”
The details of the plans will be key, as will the timeline for
implementation. We are also urging the U.S. government to take a stronger
stance on the Global Plastics Treaty ahead of an important upcoming
negotiating meeting in May [9]. PLEASE HELP US BY SIGNING AND SHARING THE
PETITION [10], and sharing this great explainer video [11] from our
colleagues at The Story of Stuff Project [12].

As always, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT. Our work is possible
because of the dedicated and passionate members of our community and the
growing global movement. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR SHARED
VISION OF A MORE JUST, EQUITABLE, REGENERATIVE WORLD FREE FROM PLASTIC
POLLUTION AND ITS TOXIC IMPACTS.

Onward together,

[Julia Cohen]

Julia Cohen, MPH
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. Thanks to everyone who donated to our Earth Month fundraising
campaign. When you DONATE BY APRIL 30, YOUR GIFT WILL BE DOUBLED [13]. Your
critical support helps us to CHALLENGE CORPORATE GREENWASHING, AND
CELEBRATE AND UPLIFT REGENERATIVE, NON-TOXIC, NON-PLASTIC SOLUTIONS.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

[Beyond Plastics Report: The Perils of PVC Plastic Pipes] [8]

★ BEYOND PLASTICS REPORT: THE PERILS OF PVC PLASTIC PIPES
A new report [8] from Beyond Plastics (along with Plastic Pollution
Coalition & Environmental Health Sciences) WARNS OF THE HUMAN HEALTH RISKS
OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PLASTIC, recommending state and local officials
avoid using the material for their communities’ water pipes, including
during U.S. lead service line replacement [14]. The Biden administration
and Congress is providing $15 billion to municipalities that need to
replace toxic lead pipes, yet THE EPA HAS NOT OFFERED GUIDANCE AROUND WHAT
PIPING MATERIALS SHOULD BE USED TO PREVENT HOMES FROM SWAPPING ONE
PROBLEMATIC MATERIAL FOR ANOTHER.

★ ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH GROUPS URGE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION TO UPDATE
GREEN GUIDES, PROHIBIT FALSE PLASTIC RECYCLING CLAIMS
Six U.S. environmental and health groups, including THE LAST BEACH CLEANUP
[15], JUST ZERO [16], PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION [1], BEYOND PLASTICS
[17], CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY [18], and GREENPEACE USA [19] sent
detailed commentary and recommendations to the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) for updating its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims
(commonly known as the “Green Guides”), and specifically weighed in on
the need to PROHIBIT FALSE PLASTIC RECYCLING CLAIMS. The comprehensive
comments [20] emphasize that recyclability and recycled content labels and
CLAIMS ON PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING ARE MISLEADING. The fact is that
most plastic—including that which is collected for recycling—never gets
recycled [21], and instead ends up in landfills, in the environment, or in
someone else’s backyard. Read more [22].

★ WHITE HOUSE, U.S. EPA ANNOUNCE NEW PLANS TO ADDRESS PLASTIC POLLUTION
On April 21, 2023, the White House announced a NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER TO
REVITALIZE OUR NATION’S COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOR ALL,
which includes “new steps to combat plastic pollution in communities.”
The new steps include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency DRAFT
NATIONAL STRATEGY ON PREVENTING PLASTIC POLLUTION and a new White House
Interagency Policy Committee (IPC) on Plastic Pollution and a Circular
Economy. Read more [2].

★ _ON SACRED GROUND_ AMPLIFIES MESSAGE OF INDIGENOUS WATERKEEPERS AT
STANDING ROCK
In 2016 began one of the LARGEST AND MOST VISIBLE PROTESTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
INJUSTICE IN U.S. HISTORY, on the Standing Rock Reservation. Filmmakers
Josh and Rebecca Tickell traveled to the front lines to witness the
protests and would later produce the film _On Sacred Ground_ [23], to HELP
AMPLIFY THE MESSAGES OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HARMED BY ENVIRONMENTAL
INJUSTICE. The Dakota Access Pipeline was unfortunately built and has been
operational, despite its poor track record of frequent spills that threaten
lands and waterways, incompatibility with addressing the climate crisis,
and ongoing and current legal challenges. Read more [24].

★ PVC POISON PLASTIC: AN INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING THE OHIO TRAIN
DERAILMENT OF WIDESPREAD VINYL CHLORIDE POLLUTION CAUSED BY PVC PRODUCTION
In the wake of the tragic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; and the
subsequent POLLUTION OF CARCINOGENIC VINYL CHLORIDE AND POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
(PVC) INTO THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, a new report [7] from Toxic-Free Future
[25] sheds light on the dangers these chemicals pose to human health and
the planet and UNCOVERS THE LARGEST POLLUTERS OF VINYL CHLORIDE IN THE U.S.
and maps the communities regularly exposed to this dangerous chemical and
its waste products. This investigation reveals that the production of PVC
plastic RELEASES HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF CARCINOGENIC VINYL
CHLORIDE INTO THE AIR EVERY YEAR IN THE U.S. Vinyl chloride factories
produce billions of pounds of vinyl chloride to make PVC plastics often in
low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Read more [7].

★ HOW TO RECOGNIZE PLASTIC POLLUTION GREENWASHING
During Earth Month, people all over the planet tap into their collective
environmental consciousness to TAKE ACTION FOR A SAFER, HEALTHIER WORLD FOR
ALL. Part of that positive action involves increased demand for truly
sustainable and environmentally friendly products. But such efforts are
unfortunately often met with a jump in HARMFUL, INTENTIONALLY DECEPTIVE
TACTICS as corporations and plastic producers attempt to promote their
products as more benign—or even beneficial—to people and the planet
when in reality, they are not. THIS MARKETING STRATEGY IS KNOWN AS
“GREENWASHING,” AND IT’S BECOMING MORE COMMON. LEARN HOW YOU CAN
OUTSMART IT. Read more [3].

★ HOW TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS PLASTIC-FREE
It’s surprisingly simple to PLAN A MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY WITHOUT CREATING
MORE POLLUTION from plastic plates and cups, party favors, and water
bottles containing microplastics. Celebrating a birthday free of plastic is
a great way to SHOW RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND OUR BODIES, while also
creating meaningful memories with loved ones. From choosing reusable
tableware to gifting plastic-free items and experiences, there are MANY FUN
AND CREATIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE SUSTAINABLY. By taking steps to reduce our
plastic consumption, we can all play a role in protecting the planet and
shaping a culture of care for future generations. Read more [26].

★ APRIL WEBINAR – GREENWASHING: DEBUNKING THE PLASTIC INDUSTRY’S
FALSE NARRATIVE
For our April webinar, we focused 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 were joined by GEORGE
HARDING-ROLLS, Campaign Manager for CHANGING MARKETS FOUNDATION [27];
SUMONA MAJUMDAR, Executive Director for EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE [28]; and
EMMA PRIESTLAND, Global Corporate Campaigns Coordinator for BREAK FREE FROM
PLASTIC [29] in a conversation moderated by SHILPI CHHOTRAY, Co-Founder &
Executive Director of PEOPLE OVER PLASTIC [30]. Watch the recording [31].

UPCOMING EVENTS

[Register for the 2023 Alexandria, Virginia (ALX) Dog Walk] [32]

★ REGISTER FOR THE 2023 ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA (ALX) DOG WALK
The ALX Dog Walk grew from the recognition that many dogs and their humans
LOVE SPENDING TIME TOGETHER IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS and CARE DEEPLY ABOUT THE
ENVIRONMENT. THE SECOND ANNUAL ALX DOG WALK will take place on APRIL 29,
2023, in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. PPC Co-Founders Dianna Cohen &
Julia Cohen will be honored at the event. Are you in the DC area? Register
here [32].

★ OPENING RECEPTION FOR GARAGE EXCHANGE VIENNA—LOS ANGELES: PLASTIC,
PLASTIC, PLASTIC
The MAK Center for Art and Architecture is pleased to present the 21st
iteration of Garage Exchange Vienna—a live art event taking place on
Thursday, June 8, 2023. This event, titled LOS ANGELES: PLASTIC, PLASTIC,
PLASTIC will feature Vienna-based artist KERSTIN VON GABAIN and Los
Angeles-based artist ELLEN SCHAFER at the Mackey Apartments Garage Top
Gallery. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity WHERE ART AND ACTIVISM
COLLIDE. Von Gabain and Schafer use their art to confront the proliferation
of mass-produced materials, and the OVERABUNDANCE OF PLASTIC —in our
homes, in our oceans, in our bodies. The event takes place THURSDAY, JUNE
8, 2023, 6:30–8:30PM. Find out more [33].

★ HOLLYWOOD CLIMATE SUMMIT
Hollywood Climate Summit is an annual in-person and online international
conference that creates a community space for thousands of CROSS-SECTOR
ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA PROFESSIONALS TO TAKE ACTION ON CLIMATE. Join
filmmakers, artists, writers, executives, social media creators, climate
activists, scientists, policymakers, and other experts for interactive
workshops and community building events that DRIVE A CULTURAL SHIFT IN THE
CREATIVE INDUSTRY TOWARDS COLLECTIVE CLIMATE ACTION. The summit takes place
in LOS ANGELES, CA, JUNE 21–24, AND DIGITAL CONFERENCE ACCESS IS FREE.
Register here.

➤ FIND MORE EVENTS ON OUR WEBSITE [34].

TAKE ACTION

[Tell the U.S. Government: Take a Stronger Stance on the Global
Plastics Treaty] [10]

★ TELL THE U.S. GOVERNMENT: TAKE A STRONGER STANCE ON THE GLOBAL PLASTICS
TREATY
PLASTIC production, use, transportation, and disposal THREATEN EARTH’S
COMMUNITIES, AIR, WATER, BIODIVERSITY, and soils. With the UN Global
Plastics Treaty negotiations now underway [11], the U.S. government (USG)
has the unique opportunity to play a key role in the CHANGE WE NEED ON A
WORLDWIDE LEVEL: instead of leading the world in generating the plastic
pollution crisis, it's time for the USG to lead by forging ambitious
solutions. Sign on [10] to tell the USG to TAKE A STRONGER STANCE ON THE
GLOBAL PLASTICS TREATY. SIGN THE PETITION [10].

★ Ban Plastic From School Lunchrooms and Protect Children's Health
Studies show that plastic in the food system can lead to HARMFUL CHEMICALS
LEACHING INTO THE FOOD OUR CHILDREN EAT. Today, there are more than 10,000
ADDITIVES approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to serve,
preserve, package, or modify the taste, look, texture, or nutrients in
foods. However, a recent review of nearly 4,000 FOOD ADDITIVES showed that
64% OF THEM HAD HAD NO RESEARCH SHOWING THEY WERE SAFE for people to eat or
drink. Sign the petition [35] led by PPC Business Member AHIMSA to tell the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to not use these materials in its
school lunch program. SIGN THE PETITION [35].

★ 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. THE LEAD SERVICES PIPES SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH NON-TOXIC MATERIALS,
not plastics like PVC. Plastic pipe materials can similarly leach toxic
chemicals and microplastics that accumulate in the environment and in our
bodies. SIGN THE PETITION [36] to ensure this funding goes to safe,
non-plastic solutions that put community health and safety first.

➤ Find more PETITIONS ON OUR WEBSITE. [37]

OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

[2023 Environmental Media Awards Call For Submissions] [38]

★ 2023 ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA AWARDS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA AWARDS (EMA) honor film and television productions that
increase public awareness of environmental issues and inspire personal
action on these issues. To be eligible, narrative and DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
FILMS must have sold distribution rights and have been released either
theatrically or at an accredited film festival, direct-to-video, or video
on demand (streaming or transactional) BETWEEN AUGUST 31, 2022, AND
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023. In addition, TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS in all categories
must have first aired BETWEEN AUGUST 31, 2022, AND SEPTEMBER 1, 2023, on a
national network, cable, public television, first-run syndication, or
streaming channel. THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS AUGUST 14, 2023. Application
information here [38].

★ GRANT OPPORTUNITY! $20,000 FROM CLIMATE JUSTICE FOR ALL GRANT PROGRAM
The Climate Justice for All Grant Program (CJA grants) is an initiative
that SUPPORTS ORGANIZATIONS OR GRASSROOTS groups run by and primarily
serving frontline communities in developing community solutions to
environmental injustices in the US and Puerto Rico. This year, CJA IS
SEEKING TO FUND 10 ORGANIZATIONS LED BY AND SERVING FRONTLINE COMMUNITIES
interested in implementing project-based solutions that address
environmental injustices. Each grantee will receive a ONE-TIME GRANT OF UP
TO $20,000. Proposed projects should start in July 2023 and end in March
2024. To apply for the grant award, please complete this application form
[39] on MAY 12, 2023 before 6:00 PM EST. Application information here [40].

★ GOOGLE EXTENDS AN OPEN INVITATION TO HELP REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE
The world’s plastic pollution problem is a large and complex
challenge—more than 91% OF PLASTIC ISN’T RECYCLED and is left sitting
in landfills or littering our environment and communities. So, to help
further reduce the plastic footprint across food services and shine a light
on emerging solutions, GOOGLE IS LAUNCHING ITS SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
CHALLENGE [41]. If you’re a food and beverage company with single-use,
plastic-free packaging solutions, Google invites you to apply to the
Challenge. Check out the video [42], find more information, and apply here
[41]. Applications close May 30, 2023.

★ 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 MAY 5, 2023, WITH
APPLICATIONS DUE BY 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 [43].

★ EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS ON KARMA WALLET
Karma Wallet 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, 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 [44].

★ 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 and nutrition/food system, health
and human services, and environment. Please note that 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 [45].

JOIN US

[Plastic Pollution Coalition Is Hiring!] [46]

★ PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION IS HIRING!
We are currently searching for a Development Manager [46] (Full-Time). We
encourage you to review the job descriptions and share with your networks.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

★ JOIN THE COALITION
Not yet a member of Plastic Pollution Coalition? You can apply as an
individual, organization, or business. Apply here [47].

YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

DONATE [48]

#PLASTICPOLLUTES

[Facebook] [49] [Instagram] [50] [Twitter] [51] [Youtube] [52]

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 [53] | UNSUBSCRIBE [54]

Copyright © 2023 Plastic Pollution Coalition



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