Tell the U.S. Government to Take a Stronger Stance on the Global Plastics
Treaty
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[1]

MAY 2023

[The Plastic Age] [2]

Dear John,

We’re very excited to share that PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION HAS
PARTNERED WITH TOMFOOLERY, a UK-based poet and filmmaker, on a new project
called “THE PLASTIC AGE [2].” Through powerful storytelling, Tomfoolery
shows that although the last century was marked by an explosion in plastic
production and use, we may be living in the beginning of the end of the
plastic age. Please watch and share the video [2].

Next week, I’ll be representing Plastic Pollution Coalition in Paris,
France, where THE UNITED NATIONS WILL CONVENE THE SECOND INTERGOVERNMENTAL
NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE ON PLASTIC POLLUTION (INC-2), to continue working
toward a Global Plastics Treaty [3]. Plastic Pollution Coalition was
founded 14 years ago with a simple mission: to get people to call
“plastic pollution” what it is. Now, GOVERNMENTS AROUND THE WORLD ARE
COMING TOGETHER TO CREATE AN INTERNATIONAL POLICY SPECIFICALLY FOR
“PLASTIC POLLUTION.” It’s amazing how far we’ve come, but there is
still much work to do. Right now we need your help to TELL THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A STRONGER STANCE ON THE GLOBAL PLASTICS TREATY [4]. If
you’re not in the U.S., you can help by signing this petition to all
world leaders [5] calling for a bold, binding global treaty to end plastic
pollution.

It’s not only governments who are taking action on plastic pollution.
This month, we launched our first COALITION MEMBER SPOTLIGHT [6], TO
HIGHLIGHT PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION MEMBERS and the amazing work
they’re doing to CREATE A WORLD FREE OF PLASTIC POLLUTION AND ITS TOXIC
IMPACTS. For our first edition, we’re excited to spotlight BIONEERS,
CAFETERIA CULTURE, ECOPLUM, and SWAY. Each month, we’ll showcase more of
the amazing businesses, individuals, and organizations who make our
coalition and movement so unique and influential.

I’m so proud of our team and all we are doing, and it wouldn’t be
possible without your collective efforts. Thank you.

Onward,

[Jen Fela]

Jen Fela
Vice President, Programs & Communications
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. Please consider making a donation [7] to support our work. It is more
critical now than ever.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

[Tomfoolery & Plastic Pollution Coalition Launch “The Plastic Age”]
[2]

★ TOMFOOLERY & PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION LAUNCH “THE PLASTIC AGE”
In this exciting new video collaboration, UK-BASED VISUAL POET Tomfoolery
[8] USES HIS CREATIVE AND UNIQUE SPOKEN-WORD POETRY AND FILMMAKING TALENTS
TO EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE PLASTIC POLLUTION CRISIS—from humankind
initially harvesting crude oil to the invention and overuse of plastics. In
“The Plastic Age,” we learn that while plastics may have brought us
unparalleled convenience, they have come at an unsustainable cost. By
laying out the facts and solutions of plastic pollution, “THE PLASTIC
AGE” ENCOURAGES US TO MOVE BEYOND WASTEFULNESS AND CONSUMERISM to a
healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable future for all. Watch and
share. [2]

★ PLASTIC POLLUTION: COULD WE HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM NEARLY 50 YEARS
AGO?
In an article published in _The Revelator_ [9] on March 26, 2019, Erica
Cirino, now the Communications Manager at Plastic Pollution Coalition [1],
SHEDS LIGHT ON THE CONCERNS THAT SCIENTISTS HAD BEEN RAISING REGARDING THE
INCREASING AMOUNT OF PLASTIC POLLUTION in the ocean and its detrimental
impact on human health. Surprisingly, THESE CONCERNS HAD BEEN RAISED AS FAR
BACK AS THE EARLY 1970S. Much of what we know about plastic today was
already known half a century ago. So, HOW DID WE END UP WITH THE
OVERWHELMING VOLUME OF PLASTIC POLLUTION in our oceans, waterways,
landfills, and bodies that we can see today? Read more [10].

★ PLASTIC INDUSTRY GREENWASHING: YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
During our April 2023 webinar, “GREENWASHING: DEBUNKING THE PLASTIC
INDUSTRY’S FALSE NARRATIVE [11],” we received so MANY EXCELLENT
QUESTIONS from our engaged audience that WE CREATED an ADDITIONAL RESOURCE
to provide deeper insights into the world of plastic industry greenwashing
[12] and educate our community about how to effectively avoid and address
it. The April webinar featured GEORGE HARDING-ROLLS, Campaign Manager at
CHANGING MARKETS FOUNDATION [13]; SUMONA MAJUMDAR, Executive Director of
EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE [14]; and EMMA PRIESTLAND, Global Corporate
Campaigns Coordinator at BREAK FREE FROM PLASTIC [15] in a conversation
moderated by SHILPI CHHOTRAY, Co-Founder & Executive Director of PEOPLE
OVER PLASTIC [16]. Watch the recording [11].

UPCOMING EVENTS

[Plastic-Free Seas: Diving Into How Plastic Impacts Health, Climate,
and Our Oceans] [17]

★ June 22 Webinar – Plastic-Free Seas: Diving Into How Plastic Impacts
Health, Climate, and Our Oceans
Healthy oceans provide vast COGNITIVE, EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL,
AND SPIRITUAL WELLNESS _Blue Mind_ [18] benefits to all of us throughout
our lives. On June 22, we will dive deep into the CHALLENGES THAT PLASTIC
POLLUTION POSES TO OUR OCEANS and our bodies, how POLLUTED WATERS DISRUPT
THE BENEFITS we gain from access to healthy oceans and waterways, and how
WE MAY RESTORE OUR PLANET AS WELL AS OUR OWN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL
WELL-BEING. Joining the conversation will be “HER DEEPNESS,” SYLVIA
EARLE [19], President & Co-Chair of Mission Blue [20] and National
Geographic Explorer in Residence; WALLACE J NICHOLS [21], Marine Biologist
& Author of _Blue Mind_ [22]; and IMARI WALKER-FRANKLIN, PHD [23], Research
Chemist at RTI International & Author of _Plastics_ [24]. The panel will be
moderated by Plastic Pollution Coalition [1] CEO & Co-Founder DIANNA COHEN
[25]. SIGN UP. [17]

★ THE SUN VALLEY FORUM
The Sun Valley Forum: The Multiplier Effect: Partnering to Accelerate
Climate Solutions, will take place JUNE 20–23. This year marks the eighth
Forum, and the program includes keynote addresses and panel discussions as
well as collaborative working sessions, convening approximately 250 global
leaders and innovators across investment, policy, business, advocacy,
adventure, entertainment, and academia. Plastic Pollution Coalition
Executive Advisory Board Member DR. MICHAEL K. DORSEY and Co-Founder and
CEO DIANNA COHEN will be speaking about the connections between Climate
Change, Petrochemicals, and Plastic Pollution and Solutions. LEARN MORE AND
REGISTER. [26]

★ Hollywood Climate Summit
Plastic Pollution Coalition is proud to PARTNER WITH AND SPONSOR THE 2023
HOLLYWOOD CLIMATE SUMMIT [27]—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. [28]

★ OPENING RECEPTION FOR GARAGE EXCHANGE VIENNA—LOS ANGELES: PLASTIC,
PLASTIC, PLASTIC
The MAK Center for Art and Architecture [29] is pleased to present the 21st
iteration of Garage Exchange Vienna [30]—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 [31].

➤ FIND MORE EVENTS ON OUR WEBSITE [32].

COALITION MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

[Plastic Pollution Coalition Member Spotlight: Bioneers, Cafeteria
Culture, EcoPlum, & Sway] [6]

★ PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BIONEERS, CAFETERIA
CULTURE, ECOPLUM, & SWAY
Plastic Pollution Coalition is proud to represent a UNIQUE COALITION OF
BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE ADDRESSING THE PLASTIC POLLUTION
CRISIS HEAD ON. From a wide range of industries and focuses, our Coalition
Members are aligned in their mission to BUILD A WORLD FREE OF PLASTIC
POLLUTION AND ITS TOXIC IMPACTS ON COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS AROUND THE
WORLD. To uplift and showcase their work, WE ARE LAUNCHING A MONTHLY
COALITION MEMBER SPOTLIGHT BLOG, giving our readers AN INSIDE LOOK AT SOME
OF THESE INFLUENTIAL CHANGE-MAKERS. Our first edition features BIONEERS,
CAFETERIA CULTURE, ECOPLUM, and SWAY. Read more. [6]

★ JOIN THE COALITION
Not yet a member of Plastic Pollution Coalition? You can apply as an
individual, organization, or business. Apply here [33].

TAKE ACTION

[New Yorkers, Help Pass Legislation to Curb Plastic Pollution] [34]

★ ACTION ALERT: NEW YORKERS, HELP PASS LEGISLATION TO CURB PLASTIC
POLLUTION
NEW YORK STATE RESIDENTS: YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED! When most of us buy
products at a store or online, they have NO CONTROL OVER THE AMOUNT OF
PACKAGING THAT THOSE PRODUCTS COME IN. Right now, NEW YORKERS HAVE A CHANCE
TO HELP CHANGE THAT IN THEIR STATE. Our friends at BEYOND PLASTICS [35] are
asking folks who reside in NEW YORK TO TAKE ACTION ON TWO IMPORTANT BILLS
that would together reduce plastic packaging pollution and keep billions of
recyclable cans and bottles out of our environment and landfills. TIME IS
RUNNING OUT TO PASS THESE BILLS AS THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS ON JUNE 8,
2023. We need you to call your State Senator and Assemblymember today.
LEARN MORE [34]. 

★ TELL THE U.S. GOVERNMENT: TAKE A STRONGER STANCE ON THE GLOBAL PLASTICS
TREATY
PLASTIC production, transportation, use, and disposal THREATEN EARTH’S
COMMUNITIES, AIR, WATER, BIODIVERSITY, and soils. With the UN Global
Plastics Treaty negotiations now underway [36], 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 [4] to tell the USG to TAKE A STRONGER STANCE ON THE
GLOBAL PLASTICS TREATY. SIGN THE PETITION [4]. Outside the U.S.? Sign the
petition calling on world leaders to create a bold, binding treaty to end
plastic pollution.  [37]

★ Ban Plastic From School Lunchrooms & Protect Children's Health
Studies show that plastic in the food system can lead to HARMFUL CHEMICALS
LEACHING INTO THE FOODS 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 [38] led by PPC Business Member AHIMSA [39] to
tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to avoid using these
materials in its school lunch program. 

★ 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. LEAD 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 [40] to ensure this funding goes to safe, non-plastic
solutions that put community health and safety first.

➤ FIND MORE PETITIONS ON OUR WEBSITE. [41]

OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

[2023 Environmental Media Awards Call For Submissions] [42]

★ 2023 ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA AWARDS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
THE 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. Find
application information here [42].

★ THE RODDENBERRY FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION IS NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS
The Roddenberry Fellowship is for US-BASED ACTIVISTS, LEADERS, AND
DISRUPTORS WHO ARE RESPONDING WITH URGENCY AND CREATIVITY TO STRUCTURAL
INEQUITIES and an enduring climate of increased enmity and blame. IT IS A
12-MONTH PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES LEADERS WITH A $50,000 GRANT and access to
an exceptional community of peers driving real change for communities
throughout the U.S. THE APPLICATION FOR THE RODDENBERRY FELLOWSHIP [43] IS
OPEN UNTIL JUNE 16, 2023. Learn more [43].

★ 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 instead is
accumulating in landfills, the environment, and communities. So, to help
further reduce the plastic footprint of food services and shine a light on
emerging solutions, GOOGLE IS LAUNCHING ITS SINGLE-USE PLASTICS CHALLENGE
[44]. 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 invitation [45] and apply here [44]. APPLICATIONS CLOSE MAY
30, 2023.

★ 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 [46].

★ 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 to make a bigger impact, PLASTIC
POLLUTION COALITION'S RESOURCE LIBRARY is a great place to start. LEARN
MORE [47].

JOIN OUR TEAM

[Plastic Pollution Coalition Is Hiring!] [48]

★ PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION IS HIRING!
We are currently searching for a Fundraising Manager [49] (Full-Time) and a
Technology Coordinator [50] (Part-Time). We encourage you to review the job
descriptions and share with your networks. All qualified applicants are
encouraged to apply.

YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

DONATE [51]

#PLASTICPOLLUTES

[Facebook] [52] [Instagram] [53] [Twitter] [54] [Youtube] [55]

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 [56] | UNSUBSCRIBE [57]

Copyright © 2023 Plastic Pollution Coalition



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