Friends,

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday for a thoughtful, inspiring, and dynamic Plastic Free Forum. You can find a full recap of the event and loads of fascinating resources shared by our panelists on our website.

Each year we use the Plastic Free Forum to kick off our Plastic Free Challenge, which begins October 1. You can register for this year’s Challenge HERE.

For the 2020 Challenge, we’re asking folks to commit to reducing their use of single-use plastics, especially plastic bags, bottles, and straws. We’re asking you to reuse or recycle the plastic you do use, educate others that reusable is doable during the pandemic, and continue to advocate for a #PlasticFreeDMV.

When you enroll in the Challenge, we will help you along the way, offering encouragement, useful tips, and practical alternatives to commonly used plastic items. Because the pandemic has made it clear that we as individuals cannot carry the full burden of the plastics crisis, we are adding a weekly, free, easy activism component to the Challenge.

Join us and register for the 2020 Plastic Free Challenge HERE.

Weekly Action

The Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act, sponsored by Sen. Tom Udall (NM) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA), would make cleaning up plastic pollution the responsibility of the corporations that contribute the most to the problem. Show your support for this important bill by signing up HERE.

Then call or tweet your senators and representatives to ask them to support the bill:

Sen. Mark Warner: (202) 224-2023, @MarkWarner
Sen. Tim Kaine: (202) 224-4024, @timkaine
Rep. Jennifer Wexton (VA-10): (202) 225-5136, @JenniferWexton
Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08): (202) 225-4376, @RepDonBeyer
Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11): (202) 225-1492, @GerryConnolly
(Connolly is already a co-sponsor, so call or tweet to thank him!)

Upcoming Events

350 Fairfax General Meeting. October 1, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom. Join us for an informal panel discussion with members of local churches that are making an effort to reduce their waste. Learn how you might implement the changes these churches are making in your home and your shared spaces. RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link. RSVP here.

From Passion to Action: A Virtual Workshop with Del. Mark Keam. October 5, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom. Join Mothers Out Front Fairfax County for a virtual workshop on how to convert your passion for causes that impact your daily life into meaningful actions that impact policy in a productive way. Del. Keam will offer an overview of the General Assembly and tips and tricks for swaying your legislators to your cause. RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link. RSVP here.

Yours in action,

Julie

P.S. If you're looking for hope and inspiration during this dismal year, I hope you'll join us for the Plastic Free Challenge. We promise you weekly doses of meaningful tips and a sense of agency. Register today.