Resources for Plastic Free July & beyond

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JULY 2024

[Plastic Free July coming to a close]([link removed])

Dear John,

All of us at Plastic Pollution Coalition wish you a happy close to [Plastic Free July]([link removed]) as we recognize that every day, all year we work toward a more just, equitable world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.

Our website is filled with [resources]([link removed]) to help everyone embrace plastic-free solutions at [home]([link removed]), [school]([link removed]), [work]([link removed]), and [on-the-go]([link removed]). This includes our [July webinar]([link removed]), during which our panelists discussed the landscape of
plastic alternatives and described how regenerative materials are being used at a systems level for a healthier future. In the media this month, we weighed in on [the movement to ban plastic production]([link removed]) as a key solution to plastic pollution, as well as the importance of reducing exposure to plastics and chemicals [during pregnancy]([link removed]).

We can begin to build a more just, equitable world free of plastic pollution by supporting strong policies locally, nationally, and internationally that address, above all, the core cause of plastic pollution: plastic production. There are now several major opportunities to address plastic pollution in the ways we need, including the global [UN Plastics Treaty]([link removed]) and the U.S. Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. We are excited by some new developments that show us our leaders are listening, including the U.S. Government, which [recently published a new plastic pollution strategy
document]([link removed]). Our leaders still have a long way to go to address plastic pollution and environmental injustice, but we are hopeful to see some steps in the right direction.

There is no time to waste, with [greenwashing]([link removed]) common and corporations doing too little too late. Recently, we filed [a complaint against Danone Waters of America]([link removed]), makers of evian bottled water, for misleadingly labeling their products as “natural” and “sustainable”—despite them containing toxic microplastics and BPA. And [a landmark lawsuit]([link removed]) we co-filed against major consumer goods companies for allegedly creating a public nuisance from their plastic packaging,
polluting California waterways with plastic trash, has been greenlit to move forward in the California court system. We are [educating]([link removed]) and creating [resources]([link removed]) like our [Global Plastic Laws database]([link removed]), all of which will help shift plastics policies in the right direction. [Real solutions]([link removed]) exist today, and we continue to push for them to be implemented.

Onward,

[Aidan Maguire]

Aidan Maguire
Coalition Program Manager
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. Please [support our work]([link removed]) to educate, connect, and advocate for a more just, equitable world free of plastic pollution.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

[Plastic Pollution Coalition Files False Advertising Lawsuit Against Danone Waters of America]([link removed])

★ [Plastic Pollution Coalition Files False Advertising Lawsuit Against Danone Waters of America…]([link removed])
Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) filed a lawsuit in the District of Columbia Superior Court against Danone Waters of America, LLC, maker of evian bottled water headquartered in the United States, for false and deceptive marketing in violation of the District of Columbia’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act. Danone Waters of America promotes evian as “sustainable,” “natural,” and “healthy,” despite these products containing health-harming microplastics and plastic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), and creating plastic pollution. [Learn more]([link removed]).

★ [Court Greenlights Landmark Plastic Pollution Lawsuit Against Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo…]([link removed])
Earth Island Institute, acting for itself and on behalf of its sponsored projects Plastic Pollution Coalition, the International Marine Mammal Project, Shark Stewards, and 1000 Fountains, received a momentous court order allowing its landmark lawsuit to proceed against major consumer goods companies for allegedly creating a public nuisance from their plastic packaging, polluting California waterways with plastic trash. [Learn more]([link removed]).

★ [White House Releases New Strategy for U.S. Federal Government Action on Plastic Pollution]([link removed])
In its new strategy, “[Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities]([link removed]),” the U.S. Government has finally acknowledged key truths about the plastic pollution crisis. While the broader language of the plan marks considerable progress over the government’s past approaches to plastic pollution, it also contains critical gaps that—if not urgently addressed—will delay real solutions to plastic pollution. [Learn more]([link removed]).

★ [U.S. EPA Proposes Next Steps that Could Ban Vinyl Chloride, Other Key Plastic Ingredients]([link removed])
[The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)]([link removed]) is suggesting that vinyl chloride and four other chemicals used to make plastics be designated as a “High-Priority Substances” under the [Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)]([link removed]). Such designation would require the agency to assess the chemicals’ risks—and could lead to bans or restrictions on their manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, or disposal if they are found to present an unreasonable risk to people and the environment. [Learn
more]([link removed]).

★ [Announcing the “Independence from Plastic” Short Film Contest Winners]([link removed])Earlier this year we launched [Independence from Plastic: A ‘micro’ plastic-free film contest]([link removed]), which challenged filmmakers to show us their positive vision of a plastic-free future in micro films of 60 seconds or less. Additionally, we challenged the filmmakers to go plastic free behind the scenes and submit reports reviewed by our expert partners from [Earth Angel]([link removed]). We are pleased to announce the
winners and share their creative films with you. [Learn more]([link removed]).

★ [Abbott Elementary, Hacks, and Other Shows Bring the Plastic Pollution Crisis to Our Screens]([link removed])
Have you seen Abbott Elementary, Hacks, or other shows that bring the plastic pollution crisis to our screens? [In PPC’s work to shift the narrative]([link removed]) in popular culture, we’ve been focused on film and television tackling the plastic pollution crisis from three angles: on set, on screen, and in the script. As our work continues to move forward, we’re seeing the changes roll in in that order, with directors, producers, and showrunners starting on set, moving to on screen, and now, adding plastic reduction into the storyline. [Learn more]([link removed]).

➤ Find more [Latest News on our website]([link removed]).

COALITION CORNER

[Grand Point North Music Festival with Grace Potter]([link removed])

★ [Grand Point North Music Festival with Grace Potter]([link removed])
Grammy-nominated musician songwriter Grace Potter unveiled a new plastic-free initiative with festival goers at the [Grand Point North music festival]([link removed]) this month in Burlington, Vermont. The music festival featured headliners The Head and the Heart on night one, The Flaming Lips on night two, with Grace Potter headlining nights three and four. PPC Co-Founder and CEO Dianna Cohen and Advocacy & Engagement Manager Jackie Nuñez attended the festival and shared plastic pollution facts and solutions. Join PPC, Grace Potter, Hip Hop Caucus, and music sustainability experts on Thursday, August 15, from 2-3pm PT, 5-6pm ET for a special webinar The Music
Industry’s Plastic-Free Evolution. [Sign up]([link removed]).

★ [Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) at Sun Valley Forum]([link removed])
PPC’s Co-Founder and CEO Dianna Cohen and Executive Advisory Board Member Dr. Michael K. Dorsey joined FairShare’s Eamonn Store on a panel about building a more just, regenerative world free of plastic pollution, fossil fuels, and their toxic impacts at the [2024 Sun Valley Forum: Restoring Harmony With Nature]([link removed]). Also attending the forum was PPC Youth Ambassador Xiye Bastida, founder of [Re-Earth]([link removed]), who spoke about her knowledge as a youth Indigenous leader and shared intergenerational insights on restoring the connections between people and the rest of nature; and
PPC allies Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of [Mission Blue]([link removed]), who spoke of how we must continue to protect the ocean, the blue heart of the planet; Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., founder of [Hip Hop Caucus]([link removed]), who spoke about uniting hip-hop culture with climate justice; and PPC business member Rich Razgaitis, founder of [Flowater]([link removed]).

★ [PPC at Environmental Media Association Impact Summit]([link removed])
This June, Dianna Cohen presented at the [Environmental Media Association]([link removed]) (EMA) Impact Summit as part of the panel: Making an Impact, Below the Line. The panel included Georgina Teran Gilmore, CEO & President of EFD Studios; and Brandon Geller, Sustainability Manager at Sunset Studios. The panel was moderated by EMA Creative Director Asher Levin.

★ [Join the Coalition]([link removed])
Not yet a member of Plastic Pollution Coalition? You may join as an individual, organization, or business. [Apply here]([link removed]).

UPCOMING EVENTS

[Celebrating the Life & Work of Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols]([link removed])

★ [Celebrating the Life & Work of Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols]([link removed])
It’s been a little over a month since J passed away, and we know it’s still so hard to believe. We also know the best way to honor him is to keep his work and his memory alive. On Friday, August 23, at 1pm PT/4pm ET, we will host a special open Zoom call to share stories and tributes about J. Whether you knew him as a friend or colleague, or admired his work from afar, we welcome you to join us to celebrate his extraordinary life and lasting contributions to our beautiful blue water planet. [Register here]([link removed]).

★ [Protecting Children’s Developing Brains: Hazards of Plastics and Chemicals in Plastics]([link removed])
A growing body of evidence shows that plastics and associated toxic chemicals contribute to neurodevelopmental disabilities and cognitive deficits in children. On August 6 at 1pm ET/4pm PT, join the Collaborative for Health & Environment (CHE) for a webinar with Dr. Linda Birnbaum, Dr. Carmen Marsit, and Maureen Swanson as they discuss how children’s developing brains are harmed by the effects of plastics and toxic chemicals in plastics. [Register here]([link removed]).

★ [Virtual Ground Up Advocacy Bootcamp]([link removed])
Want to make real, lasting change on your campus or in your community to combat climate change and biodiversity loss? The [Re:wild Your Campus]([link removed]) team is very excited to host the next session of our Ground Up Advocacy Bootcamp, a 2-day virtual training intensive, on August 12 & 13 from 3-5:30pm PT. Join the training to learn about toxic chemicals, rewilding spaces, the intersection of human and environmental health, and how these issues tie back to racial and social justice. [Register here]([link removed]).

★ [August PPC Webinar: The Music Industry’s Plastic-Free Evolution]([link removed])
As humanity becomes more concerned about the issues surrounding climate change, the music industry is adapting to become more sustainable, and everyone from artists and performers, to promoters, venues, and concert goers are paving the way toward a plastic-free future. Join us on Thursday, August 15, at 2-3pm PT, 5-6pm ET for a special discussion with Associate Senior Director of the Think 100% podcast for Hip Hop Caucus, Jasmine Gil; Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, musician Grace Potter; and Sustainability Coordinator for Jack Johnson Music & All at Once Max Tischler. The conversation will be co-moderated by music industry activist Annie Farman and Hip Hop Caucus Artist Relations Director and Cultural Producer Dawn Richard. [Sign
up]([link removed]).

★ [Climate Ride Wine Country Edition]([link removed])
Pedal for the planet and support PPC on the upcoming Climate Ride Wine Country Edition, which is in partnership with Kendall-Jackson Winery, on Saturday, August 17. This one day ride will feature route options for every skill level, a post ride party, and an opportunity to take action for our planet alongside hundreds of like minded new friends! Be sure to select Plastic Pollution Coalition when you register. [Sign up]([link removed]).

➤ Find more [Events on our website]([link removed]).

TAKE ACTION

[Tell the U.S. Government: Take a Stronger Stance on the Global Plastics Treaty]([link removed])

[Tell the U.S. Government: Take a Stronger Stance on the Global Plastics Treaty]([link removed])Plastic production, transportation, use, and disposal threaten Earth’s communities, air, water, biodiversity, and soils. With the final [UN Plastics Treaty negotiating session]([link removed]) scheduled for November 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]([link removed]) to tell the USG to take a stronger stance on the UN Plastics Treaty. Outside the U.S.? [Sign the petition calling on world leaders to create a bold, binding treaty to end plastic pollution]([link removed]).

★ [Urge EPA Administrator Regan: Ban Vinyl Chloride]([link removed])Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen that has been sickening people for decades. Urge EPA Administrator Michael Regan to ban vinyl chloride as quickly as possible under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). [Sign the petition.]([link removed])

➤ Find more [Petitions on our website.]([link removed])

OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

[Open Position: Campaign Coordinator at Plastic Pollution Coalition]([link removed])

★ [Open Position: Campaign Coordinator at Plastic Pollution Coalition]([link removed])
Plastic Pollution Coalition is hiring a Campaign Coordinator to support strong policy and communication efforts to coordinate, organize, and liaise with experts and stakeholders on various PPC-led campaigns and initiatives. The initial focus for this role will be the [Filtered Not Bottled]([link removed]) campaign and federal plastic policy such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. [Learn more.]([link removed])

★[Open Position: Grassroots Advocacy Organizer, Reuse Program at Story of Stuff Project]([link removed])
The Grassroots Advocacy Organizer will play a key role in the Story of Stuff’s efforts to strengthen and strategically deploy grassroots advocacy to enact policies that bring reuse into the beverage and food service industries in North America at the local and state level. First round of applicant review is August 4, 2024. [Learn more and apply]([link removed]).

★ [Open Position: U.S. Carbon Capture Senior Campaigner at CIEL]([link removed])
As CIEL’s US-based CCS Senior Campaigner, you will lead, develop, and operationalize the organization’s priorities to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels by confronting the deployment of false solutions, ensuring that people are at the center of climate policies while holding corporations accountable for their human rights and environmental harms. You will serve as a focal point for CIEL’s work to confront the accelerating CCS buildout in the US, with a special focus on Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico. First round of applicant review is August 12, 2024. [Learn more and apply]([link removed]).

★ [Youth Opportunity from World Ocean Day]([link removed])
Attention youth leaders! The Ocean Project is now accepting applications for the [World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council]([link removed]), an annual cohort of 20-25 young people who are actively engaged in conservation efforts in their communities. Youth activists in this council unite to share their efforts with each other and the world, develop their leadership skills to strengthen their impact, and inspire millions to take action for our blue planet throughout the year. [Click here for more information]([link removed])about the Council’s roles and responsibilities and review the application
process. Applications are due by August 5, 2024. [Apply here.]([link removed])

★ [Road to Busan: Global Producer Responsibility for Plastic Pollution]([link removed])
In July, leading plastic pollution and environmental justice experts presented the results of the research [“Global producer responsibility for plastic pollution,” published in Science Advances]([link removed]). They discussed how the findings can help the development of the legally binding UN Plastics Treaty. [Watch the recording]([link removed]).

➤ Find more Resources in our [Resource Library.]([link removed])

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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).

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(323) 936-3010

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