Dear John,

This month, we are celebrating several wins in our efforts to end plastic pollution: First, the U.S. Government has shifted to a stronger stance on the UN Plastics Treaty and has indicated they will support a global limit on plastic production! This exciting development is a direct result of our work at Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) and that of our allies, as we have all advocated tirelessly for years to get to this pivotal moment. And it demonstrates what we can achieve together. It is especially important as just one negotiating session remains to finalize the UN Plastics Treaty. The fifth and final planned session (INC-5) will be held in Busan, Republic of Korea, in late November this year. 

As you may know, it is crucial that governments require the fossil fuel, petrochemical, and plastics industries to drastically reduce their plastic production, among other key actions, to solve the problem of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. As the world’s biggest plastic polluter, the U.S. could help catalyze global action if its leaders reinforce their words with action at INC-5. We hope you’re able to join us for a special webinar featuring an exciting panel of guests on Tuesday, September 24, to tackle pressing questions about the UN Plastics Treaty negotiations from the perspectives of frontline activism, policy, science, and law. 

Ending environmental injustices is a key aspect of solutions to plastic pollution, and must be a core part of an effective UN Plastics Treaty. Those communities most impacted by plastic and other industrial pollution are often low-income, rural, and/or Black, Indigenous, People of Color neighborhoods. This month we celebrated with the historic Black community of Wallace, Louisiana, as residents stopped the Greenfield grain export terminal! This success comes several years after many people in Wallace first started speaking out against the project—an enormous grain export complex proposed by Greenfield Louisiana LLC, which would have been built on the same grounds where some locals’ enslaved ancestors once lived.

Let’s use these recent major accomplishments to keep pushing positive change, from around the globe to within your own community. Read on to find our latest tips for a plastic-free back to school, upcoming events, and more opportunities to get involved and take action.

Onward,

Erica Cirino
Communications Manager
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. Please support our work to educate, connect, and advocate for a more just, equitable world free of plastic pollution.

★ 4 Ways to Start the School Year Plastic Free
With back-to-school season now underway, it can seem like plastic is everywhere—with plastic binders, pens, scissors, and other supplies, as well as plastic-wrapped snacks and single-use water bottles, overflowing on store shelves. This, despite the fact that plastics, microplastics, and the chemicals that plastics contain pose serious dangers to human health, especially to young people. Yet, with a little planning, it’s relatively easy and affordable for parents and guardians to help students get started with healthy plastic-free school supplies for the year ahead. Learn more. 

★ Going Beyond “Leave No Trace”: Tackling Plastic Pollution in U.S. National Parks at the Source
As summer winds down in the Northern Hemisphere, many people are enjoying the more temperate weather by engaging in outdoor activities. Unfortunately, pollution from the fossil fuel, petrochemical, and plastics industries, as well as trash left behind by visitors to the parks, puts these delicate ecosystems in jeopardy. But solutions exist and can make a difference. Learn more. 

★ Greening the Games? Diving Into the 2024 Paris Olympics’ Sustainability Efforts
This year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games were designed to be the most environmentally friendly of recent times. But are efforts to “green” the Games—especially strategies to eliminate single-use plastic—going far enough? Learn more.

➤ Find more Latest News on our website.

★ Plastic People Documentary Screenings
This month, PPC Business Member FloWater hosted a film screening of the documentary Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics in Denver, Colorado. PPC Co-Founder and CEO Dianna Cohen spoke on a panel during the screening event with Plastic People Director Ben Addelman, Earth Guardians Executive Director Emmy Scott, Artist and Activist Kalliopi Monoyios, and FloWater Co-Founder and CEO Rich “Raz” Razgaitis. Currently, the Plastic People team is scheduling additional screenings in communities, film festivals, and at schools, and is sharing a new curriculum guide and additional resources for students and educators. Learn more. 

★ Refill Solutions from PPC Business Member Bottleless Nation
Did you know that Americans purchase about 50 billion plastic water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S.? PPC Business Member Bottleless Nation is a company that provides plastic-free water dispensers for offices, gyms, warehouses, medical facilities, and convention centers, working to replace single-use culture with refill stations around the country. 

★ Plastic-Free Shipping & Packaging: High Standards Set by Optimist Beverages
At PPC, we recommend asking questions about the companies you buy from and supporting the ones that are leading by example. PPC Business Member Optimist Drinks is a wonderful example of a company that has committed to plastic-free packaging and shipping practices, and ensures their suppliers practice similar sustainability standards. Visit the Optimist Drinks website to learn more, and even pick up a delicious non-alcoholic spirit to cool off this summer.

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

★ Policy Matters: Finalizing the UN Plastics Treaty
Just one negotiating session remains in the effort to deliver what could be one of the most significant global agreements in history: the United Nations Plastics Treaty. This fifth and final planned session (INC-5) will be held in Busan, Republic of Korea, in late November this year. PPC will host a webinar featuring an exciting panel of guests on Tuesday, September 24, at 2 pm PT/5 pm ET to tackle pressing questions about the Treaty negotiations from the perspectives of frontline activism, policy, science, and law. Sign up. 

★ Imagine Zero Music Festival
Imagine Zero Music Festival’s mission is to have a zero-carbon and zero-waste event. That means having the show entirely powered by renewable energy and with no trash. The celebration of music, art, and the Earth will take place on September 7, at Fable Farm in Barnard, Vermont. Learn more. 

★ 10th CEEJH Environmental Justice Symposium: Environmental Justice Past, Present, and Future
This year’s 10th Environmental Justice Symposium will remember how far the field of environmental justice has come and will honor those who have worked to bring it to this point. Attendees will learn about new work, recognize future challenges, and support those making change. The Symposium is being hosted by the Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health Center virtually and in person at the University of Maryland, School of Public Health from Sept. 11–14, and is free to the public. Learn more. 

★ Virtual Eco-Anxiety Panel
This inspiring event on September 12 will bring together Earth Island Brower Youth Awards alumni in an expert-facilitated discussion with climate psychologist Leslie Davenport. Together they will explore the intersectionality of climate, grassroots activism, and psychology and learn new tools to build resiliency and stay engaged in environmental work without becoming overwhelmed or burned-out. Learn more.

★ The Great Global Nurdle Hunt
The Great Global Nurdle Hunt is an annual community science event held throughout September, which asks organizations, communities and individuals to organize nurdle hunts all around the world to draw attention to this issue and collect a snapshot of data on global plastic pellet pollution. The vital data collected by nurdle hunters across the world helps to demonstrate to decision makers the scale of the nurdle pollution issue and call for action to address this major source of global microplastic pollution. Learn more. 

★ The Plastic Bag Store Art Exhibit at MASS MoCA Extended to November 3
The Plastic Bag Store at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) is a public art installation and immersive film experience by Brooklyn, New York–based PPC Artist Ally Robin Frohardt that uses humor, craft, and a critical lens to question our culture of consumption and convenience—specifically, the enduring effects of single-use plastics. The exhibit opened May 9 at MASS MoCA and will run until November 3. Learn more.

➤ Find more Events on our website.

★ Tell the U.S. Government: Take a Stronger Stance on the Global Plastics Treaty
With the final negotiating session of the UN Plastics Treaty scheduled to begin in November, time is running out to finalize a strong global agreement to end plastic pollution. With the U.S. joining the fold of countries calling for a cap on production, there is renewed hope for stopping plastic at the source and keeping this critical issue on the table. Please help us continue to apply pressure on the U.S. Government as we call for a UN Plastics Treaty that centers the health of people and the planet—not the interests of polluters—by turning off the plastics tap and supporting real solutions. Sign here. Outside the U.S.? Sign the petition calling on world leaders to create a bold, binding treaty to end plastic pollution.

➤ Find more Petitions on our website.

★ Sign up for Free Educational Program: the Unplastify Challenge for Schools
Teachers are now able to register their classrooms for Unplastify Worldwide—a free educational program led by National Geographic Explorer Tati Besada to empower students ages 15-16 to fight plastic pollution while becoming changemakers in their communities. Teachers are encouraged to be part of the growing Unplastify movement by registering for the upcoming program season by September 4. Register here.

★ Apply for the Outstanding Young Investigator Award, Endocrine Disruption Research
Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies (HEEDS) sponsors an award of $5,000 to honor its colleague Lou Guillette Jr. This award is given yearly to a young investigator who embodies Lou’s love of science, communication, and commitment to mentoring in the field of endocrine disruption research. The application deadline is September 30. Apply.

★ Nominate an Environmental Activist or Advocate for the Community Sentinel Awards
The Community Sentinel Award for Environmental Stewardship is an annual award that honors environmental activism and advocacy. Presented by FracTracker Alliance and Halt the Harm Network, the $1,000 award is given to five individuals across the U.S. who demonstrate extraordinary courage and commitment in promoting environmental justice and leading the charge for a healthier, more just future. Submit your nomination by October 6. Apply.

★ Algalita’s Wayfinder Society Mini-Grants
Through the Wayfinder Society, Algalita will be awarding mini-grants throughout the year to educators leading the way on environmental education. The mini-grants will range from $100–$750 and are unrestricted, providing funding for environmental education materials, projects, and field trips. Grantees will be invited to participate in a spotlight interview with the creators of Wayfinder Society to inspire other educators. They’ll also be celebrated during our end-of-the-year celebration each May. Learn more.

➤ Find more Resources in our Resource Library.