Dear John,

I’m excited to be attending Climate Week in NYC, where I’m joined by many Plastic Pollution Coalition members, partners, and allies (some pictured above). The energy is palpable as we meet to discuss the vital work we’re doing together! 

As we engage in events and discussions about climate change, it is essential to acknowledge the connections between climate and plastics. 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, and industry plans to triple plastic production by 2060—threatening our efforts to keep global temperatures below the critical 1.5-degree threshold. We simply cannot allow this to happen.

Groundbreaking news out of California this month—two separate lawsuits have been filed against fossil fuel giant ExxonMobil for lying to the public about the “recyclability” of plastics. Governor Gavin Newsom also signed Senate Bill 1053, closing the loophole and banning all plastic bags offered at checkout, including "heavy-duty" plastic bags; the new law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

In an effort to directly prevent plastic pollution and support communities, we’re currently accepting applications for our Filtered Not Bottled Grant Program. This program provides direct financial support to organizations and groups working with frontline communities impacted by lead pipes. These grants will help expand education on the health risks of lead and plastic, as well as advocacy efforts to distribute point-of-use filters as a safe, accessible drinking water solution. 

We’re celebrating an exciting milestone next month: it’s Plastic Pollution Coalition’s 15th Anniversary on October 24! This is a moment to reflect on our incredible journey and all that we’ve accomplished together over the past 15 years—including shifting culture and the narrative to recognize plastic pollution and to embrace and invest in non-toxic plastic-free solutions. We are truly grateful for your support along the way. There is much yet to be done, and we look forward to continuing to work with our amazing network of businesses, organizations, and individuals to create the systemic change we need.

Onward together,

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

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

★ California Governor Signs Legislation Banning Plastic Bags
On September 22, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1053, closing the loophole and banning all plastic bags offered at checkout, including “heavy-duty” plastic bags. The new law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Learn more.

★ ExxonMobil Faces Two Lawsuits for Plastics “Recycling” Deception
Two separate lawsuits were filed on September 23, 2024, to hold ExxonMobil accountable for its contributions to the plastic pollution crisis—both related to the company misleading consumers about plastics “recycling.” California’s lawsuit is the first attempt by a U.S. government official to hold a fossil fuel company accountable for misleading claims about plastics. Learn more.

★ Plastics & Climate Change are Connected
Plastic pollution and climate change are two of our planet's biggest environmental challenges. Many people don’t realize that the two issues are closely linked. 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, and their production is an energy-intensive process. From oil and gas extraction to refining and manufacturing, every step of the production process releases greenhouse gases (GHG). Learn more in this guest blog by Lars Jansen, co-owner of SWOP – Shop Without Plastic, a Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) Business Member.

★ Fracked Gas is Now a Growing Share of the Fossil Fuels Being Turned Into Plastics
The fracking boom, primarily driven by the increasing production of plastics, is a growing concern for the health of people and the planet. In the U.S., more than 17.6 million people live within a mile of a fracking well, and around six million live within three miles of a refinery. Learn more.

★ Coca-Cola Must Face Greenwashing Lawsuit in D.C.
The D.C. appeals court holds that environmental nonprofit Earth Island Institute can challenge Coca-Cola’s sustainability claims. The D.C. appeals court issued a decision finding that Earth Island Institute sufficiently pleaded that Coca-Cola’s environmental and sustainability claims are in violation of the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). Learn more.

➤ Find more Latest News on our website.

★ Arms of Andes: Natural Fiber Solutions to Prevent Microplastic Pollution in Fast Fashion
This month we worked with PPC Business Member Arms of Andes to shed light on the pervasiveness of petrochemical-based clothing and uplift natural fiber solutions. Wool fibers are a great example of a regenerative material that doesn’t pollute the planet. Wool is nontoxic, odor-resistant, antibacterial, and a great alternative to synthetic athletic wear, as wool doesn’t shed microplastics. Check out our PPC social media channels to learn more. 

★ The Spinster Sisters: Solid Personal Care Products to Prevent Plastic Pollution
In the U.S. alone, almost 7.9 billion units of rigid plastic are created just for beauty and personal care products—most of which are landfilled. Products in solid formats, as opposed to liquid, have been around for millennia and don’t require big plastic bottles. PPC Business Member The Spinster Sisters provides personal care products in solid formats—like soap, shampoo, conditioners—which are better for you and better for our planet. Look for our collaboration with actress and PPC notable Amy Aquino on our social media channels to learn more.

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

★ PPC October Webinar: Plastic-Free President: The Future of U.S. Policy on Plastics
The next U.S. President will take office in January 2025, and the policies they implement over the next four years could help stop plastic pollution—or allow this urgent global crisis to worsen. So what role should the U.S. President and the federal government play in eliminating plastic pollution? Join us on October 23, 2024, for a discussion with key allies and policy experts about recommendations and priorities for the next U.S. Administration to protect people and the planet. These actions will be critical not only for the U.S. but for the world—since the U.S. is the world’s top plastic polluting country. We will be joined by Judith Enck, President, Beyond Plastics; Jenny Hernandez, Climate Justice Framework Program Manager, Green Latinos; and Alexa White PhD, Climate and Environmental Justice Policy Director, Hip Hop Caucus. This webinar will be moderated by Amy Westervelt, Executive Editor, Drilled. Register here. 

★ Beyond Plastics Webinar: Proposed Priorities for the Next U.S. President to Reduce Plastic Pollution
Beyond Plastics has released a list of 27 priority policy recommendations for the next U.S. president to reduce plastic pollution. These recommendations pave the way to address the plastic pollution crisis by significantly reducing the production of plastics. Join a free webinar on Oct. 1 at 7:00pm ET to learn how the next president can tackle plastic pollution. Learn more.

★ Climate Week NYC, Sept. 22–29
Climate Week NYC takes place Sept. 22–29 and is a platform for over 600 events across New York City, set up by people and organizations that want to move the needle on climate. It’s the largest annual climate event of its kind, with leaders from the world of business, tech, politics, academia, and civil society. PPC staff are on the ground at Climate Week helping to make the connection between climate and plastics. Find live events and register for livestream sessions here.

★ Art exhibition by Álvaro Soler-Arpa: Especies Mensajeras (“Messenger Species”)
Through his sculptures, PPC Artist Ally Álvaro Soler-Arpa invites us to reflect on the devastating impact of pollution on the natural world and the urgent need to take measures to protect biodiversity. The exhibition is open Oct. 9, 2024–Jan. 26, 2025 at Círculo De Bellas Artes–Sala Goya (Goya Room) Calle Alcalá, 42. in Madrid, Spain. Learn more.

➤ Find more Events on our website.

★ Tell Starbucks: Build a Better (Reusable) Cup Campaign
Tell Starbucks Chairman & CEO Brian Niccol to promote and increase incentives and discounts for reusable cups. Starbucks uses more than 8,000 plastic cups and plastic-lined paper cups per minute, and up to 6 billion disposable cups and mugs worldwide each year. Most of this ends up in landfills, the environment, or is incinerated. Sign the petition.

★ Tell World Leaders to Take a Strong Stance on the Global Plastics Treaty
The UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations are now underway. Urge world leaders to lead by forging ambitious solutions—like reduction of plastic production and freedom from corporate influence—instead of leading the world in generating plastic pollution. Sign the petition to the U.S. Government. Outside the U.S? Sign the petition to world leaders. 

★ Add Your Face to the #WeAreWatching Eye
For the final scheduled UN Plastics Treaty negotiating session, INC-5, Greenpeace is assembling a monumental flag that shows an eye made up of thousands of portraits from around the world. It will fly above Busan, Korea, during INC-5 in late November, to hold leaders accountable as they decide the future of our planet. Add your photo to #WeAreWatching to show world leaders that your eyes are on Busan. Add your photo.

➤ Find more Ways to Take Action

★ Plastic Pollution Coalition Launches 100K Filtered Not Bottled Grant Program
PPC has launched a grant program to distribute a total of $100K to support communities impacted by toxic lead service lines in the U.S. These grants will help expand education on the health risks of lead and plastic while bolstering advocacy efforts for the distribution of point-of-use filters as a safe, accessible drinking water solution. Learn more.

★ Twenty Years of Microplastics Pollution Research—What Have We Learned?
Microplastics are pervasive and have been identified in the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat. Microplastics have recently been found in various human tissues and organs, including the heart and testicles. So what exactly have scientists uncovered after 20 years of microplastics research? Read the latest report from Science.org, co-authored by our September PPC webinar panelist Richard Thompson. Grist also covered this research.

★ Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know, 2nd edition by Judith Weis
This book discusses the sources of marine pollutants, their effects on marine organisms and humans, and how to reduce or eliminate them. The updated 2nd edition reflects recent research and features a new chapter on microplastics. Order online and enter the code ASPROMP8 for a 30% discount.

★ Opening for a Communications Campaigns Specialist at CIEL
The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is seeking a Communications Campaigns Specialist. The candidate should be able to nimbly respond to the wide variety of communications needs that arise from campaigns, whether it’s creating social media content, working with the Media Specialist to pitch reporters, or helping support the development of campaign strategy. Learn more.

★ Screen Cafeteria Culture’s Film “Microplastic Madness" at Your School
Inspire your students to take plastic-free action with Cafeteria Culture’s award-winning, student-led movie, “Microplastic Madness.” This uplifting and informative real-life story shows how students started the first Plastic Free Lunch Day. It is sure to spark a lively discussion. Learn more.

➤ Find more Resources in our Resource Library.