Connecting Plastics, Fossil Fuels, and the Climate Crisis
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[1]

SEPTEMBER 2023

[Climate Week in New York City] [2]

Dear John,

With legislative action on plastic pollution now ramping up on local,
state, national, and international levels, it has been a busy month for our
movement. One of September’s biggest highlights was Climate Week in New
York City [2], where we emphasized the connections between plastics and the
climate crisis [3]. Climate Week kicked off with the MARCH TO END FOSSIL
FUELS on the 17th and culminated with the GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL on the
23rd. Plastic Pollution Coalition Members, Youth Ambassadors, Staff,
Notables, and other allies collectively attended hundreds of events during
Climate Week, CALLING ON THE U.S. AND OTHER GOVERNMENTS, as well as
corporations, investors, and other entities to STOP PRIORITIZING FOSSIL
FUEL AND PLASTIC INDUSTRY PROFITS over people and the planet.

During our September webinar [4], we learned more about legislative efforts
in the United States meant to REDUCE AND PREVENT SINGLE-USE PLASTIC and
plastic’s many forms of pollution from impacting our climate,
communities, waterways, and natural wonders. Our September Member Spotlight
[5] UPLIFTS PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION MEMBERS WHO ARE TAKING ACTION on
climate through their work to address plastic pollution: CRUZ FOAM, ETHO
CAPITAL, and FENCELINE WATCH.

This month we saw the introduction of several NOTABLE NEW PIECES OF
LEGISLATION meant to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics. U.S. Senator
Jeff Merkeley (D-OR) and eleven Senate colleagues have introduced the
Reducing Waste in National Parks Act [6], which would restore Obama-era
guidance PROHIBITING THE SALE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES IN ALL
U.S. NATIONAL PARKS. In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey (D-MA) has
signed an executive order banning state agencies [7] from purchasing
single-use plastic bottles. California became the largest economy to
endorse the call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty [8], and passed
the Right to Repair Act [9] through the state assembly—pushing the
legislation to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.

With OCTOBER AND HALLOWEEN JUST AROUND THE CORNER, we are excited to launch
our Plastic Kills! horror short film contest [10] in partnership with our
friends at USC’S NORMAN LEAR MEDIA CENTER’S HOLLYWOOD, HEALTH &
SOCIETY. We’re calling on you to create short films that highlight the
terrors of plastic pollution and plastic’s toxic effects on our bodies,
our children, our pets, and our planet. We have some STAR JUDGES AND A
$2,000 CASH PRIZE—check it out [10].

Read on to find more latest news, events, and opportunities to get involved
in SOLUTIONS TO PLASTIC POLLUTION!

Onward,

[Dianna Cohen]

Dianna Cohen
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR WORK to educate, connect, and advocate
FOR A WORLD FREE OF PLASTIC POLLUTION by making a donation [11].

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

[Our Recap of Climate Week NYC 2023] [2]

★ Our Recap of Climate Week NYC 2023 [2]
Last week, Plastic Pollution Coalition and our allies joined tens of
thousands of others to take part in Climate Week NYC, “the biggest
climate event on Earth.”  The overall turnout and public participation
with meaningful dialogue focusing on real solutions introduced by both the
public and private sectors showed that corporate polluters may have the
profits, but people are pushing forth the positive change necessary to
build a better world. Read more [2].

★ Climate Week 2023: Connecting Plastics, Fossil Fuels, and the Climate
Crisis [12]
During Climate Week NYC, we emphasized the connections between plastics,
fossil fuels, and the climate crisis. As Climate Week, United Nations (UN)
Plastics Treaty negotiations, and other policy-focused efforts to address
plastic pollution move forward, we must urgently address these
interconnected issues. Our movement has also assessed the UN’s Zero
Draft, which importantly lays out the earliest structure and content for a
Plastics Treaty to be shaped during the remaining three negotiating
sessions. With talks set to wrap up at the end of 2024, when a Treaty
should be agreed upon, we must work swiftly to ensure we move forward with
solutions that will allow us to secure a livable future on Earth. Read more
[12].

★ Policy Matters: Solutions for a Plastic Pollution Free U.S. [4]
During our September webinar [4], we learned more about legislative efforts
in the United States meant to reduce and prevent single-use plastic and
plastic’s many forms of pollution from impacting our climate,
communities, waterways, and natural wonders. We heard about what the
Biden-Harris Administration is doing from Jonathan Black, Senior Director
for Chemical Safety and Plastic Pollution Prevention at the White House
Council on Environmental Quality. We were also joined by Joan Mooney,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Management and Budget for
the U.S. Department of the Interior; and Jane Patton, U.S. Fossil Economy
Campaign Manager at the Center for International Environmental Law. The
conversation was moderated by Christy Leavitt, Campaign Director for
Oceana. Watch the recording [4].

★ Policy to Keep Single-Use Plastics Out of U.S. National Parks
Introduced [6]
In an effort to keep single-use plastics out of National Parks, U.S.
Senator Jeff Merkeley (D-OR) and eleven Senate colleagues have introduced
the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act [13]. The proposed legislation
would restore Obama-era guidance prohibiting the sale of single-use plastic
water bottles in National Parks, as well as “the sale and distribution of
other disposable plastic products to the greatest extent feasible.”
Earlier this year, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) introduced a
companion bill [14] also calling to end the sale of single-use plastic
bottles in parks. Read more [6].

UPCOMING EVENTS

[October Webinar: Policy Matters: The UN Global Plastics Treaty] [15]

★ OCTOBER WEBINAR: POLICY MATTERS: THE UN GLOBAL PLASTICS TREATY [15]
Right now, we have an opportunity to address the interconnected critical
challenges of plastic pollution, fossil fuels, the climate crisis, and
their toxic impacts, with the UN Plastics Treaty, which is set to be
finalized by 2025. With the third of five rounds of negotiations scheduled
to take place next month in Nairobi, Kenya, this is a critical time to work
toward an effective, equitable UN Plastics Treaty that stops plastics and
fossil fuels at the source. During our October 26 webinar, we will discuss
the latest developments in the UN Plastics Treaty negotiations. Learn what
Plastic Pollution Coalition members and allies are doing to shape the
treaty and what you can do to take action to help. Sign up [15].

★ ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS IN PLASTICS: STATE POLICY OPTIONS [16]
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 7pm ET join a webinar for a conversation
about endocrine disruptors with New York State Senator Pete Harckham, Chair
of the New York Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, John Peterson
'Pete' Myers, Ph.D., CEO and Chief Scientist of Environmental Health
Sciences, and Megan Wolff, Ph.D., MPH, Policy Director at Beyond Plastics.
Sign up [16].

★ BLOOMBERG SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS SUMMIT [17]
On October 5, 2023, join the Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit in New
York for a day of solutions-driven discussions and community building. The
Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit brings together business leaders and
investors globally to drive innovation and scale best practices in
sustainable business and finance. Amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical
challenges and ever-changing regulations, companies are under pressure to
drive business value and meet their ambitious Environmental, Social, and
Governance (ESG) goals. Sign up [17].

★ The National Zero Waste Conference [18]
The National Zero Waste Conference is the annual two-day virtual
educational and networking event organized by Zero Waste USA and partners.
Zero Waste Businesses & Institutions is the focus of this conference on
Wednesday, October 25, and Zero Waste Communities on Thursday, October 26,
2023. Sign up [18].

★ The Great Global Nurdle Hunt 2023 [19]
This October, take part and join thousands of volunteers across the world
gathering evidence, raising awareness and calling for an end to nurdle
(plastic pellet) pollution! Anyone can take part, whether you are an
individual or an organization. If you are new to nurdle hunting, find out
how to nurdle hunt here [20]. Register here [19].

★ PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE PRIORITIES FROM THE EAST
PALESTINE, OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT: A VIRTUAL WORKSHOP [21]
To advance understanding and facilitate the recovery and wellbeing of those
impacted, a planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine will organize and convene a two-day virtual
public workshop Nov. 6–7, 2023, to explore potential health research and
surveillance priorities arising from the train derailment and material
hazards spill that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio [22] on February 3,
2023. Register here [21].

★ PLASTIC FREE LUNCH DAY [23]
Plastic Free Lunch Day was ​started by students in Cafeteria Culture’s
program at PS 15 in Brooklyn, New York. Celebrate Plastic Free Lunch Day
this November 8 at schools across the United States and globally. Find the
resources you need so your K-12 school can participate. Get involved [23].

★ Reusable Packaging Fundamentals [24]
There’s a lot of buzz around reusable packaging to help end wastefulness.
But where do you start, how do you design a system, and how do you make it
a success? Join Reuse Aotearoa [25] for this free, informative, in-person
workshop on November 8. Register here [24].

★ 2ND INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON PLASTICS IN THE ARCTIC AND SUB-ARCTIC
REGION [26]
The symposium will be held on Nov. 22–23, 2023, and will shed light on
the latest findings on the extent and impact of plastic pollution in the
Arctic and near Arctic Regions. Register here [26].

➤ Find more Events on our website [27].

COALITION CORNER

[Member Spotlight: Cruz Foam, Etho Capital, & Fenceline Watch] [5]

★ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: CRUZ FOAM, ETHO CAPITAL, & FENCELINE WATCH [5]
Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) Members come from a wide range of sectors
and are aligned in their mission to build a world free of plastic pollution
and its toxic impacts on communities and ecosystems around the world. The
Coalition Spotlight is our monthly blog to uplift and showcase their work,
giving our readers an inside look at some of these influential
change-makers. This month, we featured PPC Business and Organization
Members who are taking action on climate through their work to address
plastic pollution. Read here [5].

★ ECOVATIVE OPENS ACCESS TO PATENT FOR PLASTIC-FREE PRODUCTS IN EUROPE
[28]
PPC Business Member Ecovative has announced that it is opening access to a
major European patent to individuals and businesses who wish to use its
MycoComposite™ mycelium materials in their own innovations and businesses
in Europe. Ecovative’s patent outlines a strategic blueprint for the
creation of eco-friendly and renewable mushroom mycelium composites—and
makes it available to others to use and push forth to a future free of
plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. Learn more [28].

★ JOIN THE COALITION [29]
Not yet a member of Plastic Pollution Coalition? You may join as an
individual, organization, or business. Apply here [29].  [30]

TAKE ACTION

[Tell the U.S. Government: Take a Stronger Stance on the Global
Plastics Treaty] [31]

★ TELL THE U.S. GOVERNMENT: TAKE A STRONGER STANCE ON THE GLOBAL PLASTICS
TREATY [31]
Plastic production, transportation, use, and disposal threaten Earth’s
communities, air, water, biodiversity, and soils. With UN Global Treaty
negotiations underway [32] through the end of 2024, 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 [31] to tell the USG to take a stronger stance
on the Global Plastics Treaty. Outside the U.S.? Sign the petition calling
on world leaders to create a bold, binding treaty to end plastic pollution
[33].

 ★ TELL EPA: DON’T REPLACE LEAD PIPES WITH PLASTIC POLLUTION [34]
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. PPC and
our allies are working to ensure this funding goes to safe, non-plastic
solutions that put community health and safety first. Sign the petition
[34]. 

★ TELL COCA-COLA: IT'S TIME TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH OVER PROFITS  [35]
New research that traces Coca-Cola’s plastic bottle supply chain brings
to light further evidence of air and water pollution, climate pollution,
and environmental racism that may be wrought by the beverage industry’s
addiction to cheap plastic bottles made from oil and gas. Worldwide, it is
estimated that the beverage industry buys more than 500 billion plastic
bottles every year to package its products, and that Coke alone buys a
fifth of those. In the newly released report titled _Hidden Hazards: The
Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle_ [36], Defend Our Health detailed
evidence that the chemical footprint of plastic bottles is unsustainable
and they are challenging The Coca-Cola Company to put consumers first and
move to secure commitments from its suppliers to end any use of
cancer-causing toxic plastic additives like antimony that may be harmful to
our health. Sign the petition. [35]

➤ FIND MORE PETITIONS ON OUR WEBSITE. [37]

OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

[Plastic Kills! Horror Short Contest] [10]

★ PLASTIC KILLS! HORROR SHORT CONTEST [10]
Hollywood, Health & Society [38] and Plastic Pollution Coalition [39] are
accepting submissions for “PLASTIC KILLS!”—a horror short film
competition designed to highlight the terrors of plastic pollution and its
toxic effects on our bodies, our children, our pets, and our planet.
Entrants may submit 1-3 minute original short horror films for a chance to
win $2,000. Our notable judging panel includes: Liv Hewson
(_Yellowjackets_), Jack Bender (_From, Game of Thrones_), Sarah Yarkin &
Peyton List (_School Spirits_), visual artist Paul Robinson, and more.
Learn more [10]. THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR FILM IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13,
2023.

★ 21ST ANNIVERSARY INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL [40]
The International Ocean Film Foundation [41] (IOFF) is best known for
producing the International Ocean Film Festival in San Francisco,
California, now in its 21st year and considered the largest ocean themed
film festival in the world. The 2024 festival is scheduled for April
13–14. THE CALL FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS IS NOW OPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 31, WITH
AN EARLY DEADLINE OF OCTOBER 12. Award categories include Animation,
Conservation, Coastal and Island Cultures, Director, DEI, Environment,
Female Filmmaker, Golden Gate (recognition of a local Bay Area filmmaker)
Innovation, Marine Science/Wildlife, Ocean Sports and Exploration, and
Short. Submit your film here [40].

★ 2023 COMMUNITY SENTINEL AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHP NOMINATIONS
[42] 
FracTracker Alliance is excited to announce that the 2023 Community
Sentinel Award nominations are open! Now in its ninth year, the award
honors grassroots environmental activists from across the United States for
their significant efforts to protect communities from the harms of the
fossil fuel industry. Each Community Sentinel Award recipient receives
$1,000 and is recognized at the annual awards ceremony. This year's hybrid
event will be held in person in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thursday,
NOVEMBER 9, 2023, and livestreamed for virtual attendees. Submit your
nomination by October 6, 2023 [43]. 

★ DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DONATION AND REUSE AWARD PROGRAM [44]
The Washington D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is
accepting applications for the Donation and Reuse grant program in
partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust and DOEE’s Small and Accessible
(SAS) Grant Program. This grant will provide up to $10,000 to awardees for
donation, reuse, and repair projects, programs, and services for increased
donation and reuse opportunities of materials otherwise headed to the waste
stream in the District. This program will support community-oriented
projects that are designed to meet the needs of the community and/or
encourage behavior change around donation, reuse, and repair of household
items and food recovery. The SAS grant program emphasizes the support of
small, new, and/or historically excluded (SNHE) entities. Submit your
application by November 9, 2023 [44].

★ COLORADO ENACTS STATEWIDE BAG FEE [45]
If you live in Colorado, you can help make sure the state’s new bag fee
on all single-use checkout bags through its Plastic Pollution Reduction Act
[46] (HB21-1162) is enforced. Take a look at Eco-Cycle’s free
step-by-step guide designed to help municipalities, businesses, and
communities adhere to Colorado’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act and help
reduce plastic pollution. Learn more [45].

★ EXPLORE PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION’S RESOURCE LIBRARY [47]
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, PPC's
resource library is a great place to start. Explore the Resource Library.
[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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