Read the latest news and learn how you can get involved.
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JANUARY 2021

[7]

Dear John,

This year has started off with enormous challenges and tremendous
opportunities for the movement to stop plastic pollution. With disposable
face masks becoming the new six pack rings and disposable gloves the new
plastic bag, the worst pandemic in modern history continues to not only
take millions of lives but also significantly contribute to the global
plastic pollution crisis. AND WITH FOOD DELIVERY AND TAKEAWAY BOOMING, THE
URBAN WORLD IS BEING BURIED IN AN AVALANCHE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC.

Fortunately, in 2021, we have key opportunities to change the system, from
the U.N. Basel Convention [8] to the U.S. Presidential Plastic Action Plan
[9] and the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act [10], major policy change
is coming.

The science is clear, so save your spot for our upcoming webinar: GLOBAL
HUMAN HEALTH & OCEAN POLLUTION: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. PHIL LANDRIGAN
[7] on January 27 at 6 pm EST. Bring your questions as we (virtually) sit
down with Dr. Phil Landrigan, American epidemiologist and pediatrician, and
one of the world's leading advocates of children's health, to discuss the
latest findings from his new report _Human Health and Ocean Pollution_.

We will be discussing the report's recommendations and how each of us can
reduce exposure to plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on human health
and the environment, and WORK TOWARDS A MORE JUST AND EQUITABLE WORLD. 

Plus, read on for all the latest news about plastic pollution from our
Coalition members from around the world.

Onward with sound science and good health,

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

TAKE ACTION

[11]

CALIFORNIA: TELL GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM TO MAKE FOOD WARE ACCESSORIES UPON
REQUEST
In the United States, 561 billion disposable food ware items are used each
year, resulting in 4.9 million tons of waste – including 36 billion
disposable utensils, which if laid end-to-end could wrap around the globe
139 times. The situation has worsened this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic
has increased the use of single-use items. Join our Coalition members in
asking Gov. Newsom to issue an Emergency Executive Order to make food ware
accessories upon request for the state of California. Learn more. [12]

Tell Whole Foods: Eliminate Single-Use Plastic
Join Environment America Research & Policy Center, U.S. PIRG Education
Fund, and Plastic Pollution Coalition in urging Whole Foods Market to
commit to concrete and verifiable steps that eliminate single-use plastic
packaging from its stores. Read more [11] and learn how to SHARE the
campaign here. [13]

COALITION NEWS

[14]

_Here's a roundup of the latest news and updates from Coalition members. We
want to hear from you! __Please send us your updates._ [15]

GLOBAL

Watch: Deep Ocean to Outer Space: Plastic Pollution Solutions
ICYMI, our December webinar featured living legends Dr. Sylvia Earle and
Dr. Kathryn Sullivan discussing the impacts of and potential solutions to
plastic pollution in the ocean, as well as in outer space. This event was
held in partnership with the Conrad Foundation and the Conrad Challenge,
which empowers students to change the world. Watch now. [16]

REPORT: FOOD DELIVERY IS UP DURING COVID-19, WITH UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
FOR HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Read the new report released by Orb Media on the increase of food packaging
during the global pandemic and the consequences for the planet and human
health. Read more. [17]

Report: Bankrolling Plastics
The new report by Portfolio Earth shows the banks that are funding plastic
packaging pollution. Read more. [18]

Report: Plastics Pose a Threat to Human Health
Plastics contain and leach hazardous chemicals, including
endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that threaten human health. An
authoritative new report [19], “Plastics, EDCs, & Health,” from the
Endocrine Society and the IPEN (International Pollutants Elimination
Network), presents a summary of international research on the health
impacts of EDCs and describes the alarming health effects of widespread
contamination from EDCs in plastics.

Watch: Food Packaging Forum Launches 'Unwrapping Food Packaging' Video
Many of the chemicals present in our food packaging can end up in our food,
and some of them are known to be harmful to our health. In this first
episode of the Unwrapping Food Packaging vlog, Dr. Jane Muncke of the Food
Packaging Forum talks about why hazardous chemicals are still allowed in
the food packaging we use every day. Watch now. [20]

Turtle Island Restoration Network Offers Grant Opportunity
A second grant for nonprofit organizations around the world challenged by
COVID-19 is offered by Turtle Island Restoration Network, and nominated
organizations can be located outside of the U.S. A $5,000 grant will be
awarded to a nonprofit organization conducting research and conservation
projects relating to marine debris. Organizations must nominate their group
on the entry form by January 22, 2021. Learn more. [21]

Report: The State of Chemical Recycling
A new report by environmental consultancy Eunomia, “Chemical Recycling:
State of Play [22]" reviews available information on different chemical
recycling technologies and attempts to assess their performance and
feasibility, including their energy use, climate impacts, to what extent
they are able to address hazardous chemicals and how they might fit into
waste management systems.

Learn: The Zero Waste Masterplan
GAIA’s Zero Waste Masterplan is a guide to building just and resilient
zero waste cities. The toolkit is for policymakers, sustainability
professionals, environmental advocates, and grassroots organizers leading
their cities into a green future through zero waste. Read more. [23]

Amazon Announces Ban on Toxic Chemicals and Plastics in Food Packaging
Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families has announced Amazon disclosed that it
will ban certain toxic chemicals and plastics in the food packaging
materials [24] used for its Amazon Kitchen brand. Amazon’s new commitment
is the latest update to the chemicals policy it first launched in 2018.
-------------------------

CHINA

CHINA UNVEILS MAJOR PLAN TO REDUCE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC
China’s National Development and Reform Commission issued the policy,
which will be implemented over the next five years banning plastic bags,
straws, foodware, hotel toiletries, and more. Read more. [25]

-------------------------

GREECE

Save the Date: CEST2021
The Organizing and Scientific Committee of CEST2021 invites you to
participate in the 17th International Conference on Environmental Science
and Technology (CEST2021). The conference will be held in Athens, Greece
from 1 to 4 September 2021. The conference is organized by the Global
Network of Environmental Science and Technology jointly with the University
of the Aegean (Greece) and the National and Kapodistrian University of
Athens (Greece). Learn more. [26]

MEXICO

Mexico City’s Single-Use Plastic Ban Takes Effect
A broad ban on single-use plastic containers, forks, straws, and more took
effect Jan. 1 in Mexico’s capital, one of the world’s largest cities,
after more than a year of preparation. Read more. [27]
-------------------------

UNITED KINGDOM

Join City to Sea’s REFILL Campaign
Refill is an award-winning campaign by City to Sea to help people live with
less plastic, connecting people to places they can eat, drink, and shop
without the pointless packaging. Started as a pilot in Bristol, Refill is
now a global revolution, empowering people all over the world to live with
less plastic. Learn more. [28]
-------------------------

UNITED STATES

#PlasticFreePresident: 600 Groups Ask Biden to Solve Plastic Pollution
Crisis With Eight Executive Actions
A coalition of more than 600 organizations released the Presidential
Plastics Action Plan [29], urging President-elect Joe Biden to take eight
key executive actions to solve the plastic pollution crisis and become a
#PlasticFreePresident. The plan was teased pre-launch by Break Free From
Plastic members and allied activists who projected messages onto historic
buildings in six major U.S. cities [30]. The plan itself launched with a
video [31] featuring Plastic Pollution Coalition notable members Jane Fonda
and Keb' Mo' together with diverse advocates and activists. Learn more. [9]


Sign Up: Beyond Waste Student Summits Spring 2021
PLAN’s Beyond Waste Student Summits have gone virtual! These half-day
summits bring together students to understand the systemic impact of waste,
from extraction to disposal. These leadership intensives invite students
from all levels of experience and interest to co-create a collaborative and
justice-oriented space. Register now. [32]

UPSTREAM’s Skip the Stuff Campaign
Through the National Reuse Network [33], UPSTREAM is gearing up to launch
the “Skip the Stuff'' policy campaign, which aims to enact food ware
accessories reduction policies in local and state governments. Sign up [34]
if you’re interested in getting your city, county, and state legislatures
to enact policy to eliminate unwanted and unnecessary single-use
accessories from takeout and delivery.

Greenpeace Sues Walmart for Deceptive Recyclability Labels on its Plastic
Products and Packaging
Greenpeace has filed a lawsuit against Walmart [35] in California Superior
court. The suit challenges Walmart’s use of false and misleading
recycling labels on its own brand, single-use plastic products, and
packaging. This super exciting work aims to further debunk false solutions
and lead to real reductions in single-use plastic.

Washington State’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Bill is Live
Congrats to Zero Waste Washington on SB5022 [36] - Washington state’s new
EPR bill. This bill is for full EPR, meaning producers pay for the entire
program for all materials, including plastic, paper, metal, and glass.
Features include recycling targets, reuse targets, recycled content
requirements, toxics, social equity, and transparency. Read the summary.
[37]

'Environmental Justice' Added To Waste Facility Review Standards
Maine’s Board of Environmental Protection [38] voted on Thursday to add
environmental justice as a standard that must be considered when reviewing
proposed new or expanded solid waste facilities in the state.

READ: ‘GOODBYE TO PLASTIC: A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PLASTIC-FREE LIVING’
Get inspired reading the book by ECOlunchbox founder Sandra Ann Harris. The
book shows you how to kick plastic, whether you're seeking to knock plastic
out of your life or try a few novel eco-hacks in your kitchen, bathroom,
office, or dining room. Plus, the books ship signed by the author! Learn
more. [39]

LATEST BLOG POSTS

[40]

_Read the latest news from our blog. [41]_

* WATCH: HANNAH TESTA AND LESA WILSON CREATE PLASTIC POLLUTION VIDEO
SERIES

* AMAZON’S BIG ROLE IN OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION

* 550 GROUPS ASK BIDEN TO SOLVE PLASTIC POLLUTION CRISIS WITH EIGHT
EXECUTIVE ACTIONS

* FIRST FREE GLOBAL INVENTORY LAUNCHED OF CHEMICALS USED TO MAKE FOOD
CONTACT MATERIALS

* REPORT: POLLUTION IS THE LARGEST ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSE OF DISEASE IN THE
WORLD TODAY

* PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION JOINS THE SEARCH FOR EARTHSHOT PRIZE WINNERS
[42]

IN THE NEWS

[43]

_Check out our Press Room. [44] _

We’re building a database of Media Experts from our Coalition. If you
would like to be listed please, send us an email.

* THE LAST (PLASTIC) STRAW: HOW ONE SANTA CRUZ WOMAN HELPED LAUNCH A
MOVEMENT TO SAVE US FROM AN OCEAN OF PLASTIC [43]
The Mercury News

* BIG OIL EVADED REGULATION AND PLASTIC PELLETS KEPT SPILLING [45]
NPR & PBS Frontline

* EDITORIAL: PLASTIC TRASH IS NOT JUST LITTER. IT'S A CLIMATE CHANGE
PROBLEM, TOO [46]
The Los Angeles Times

* RECYCLED PET IS NOT A SOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION [47]
Medium

* OUR OCEANS, OUR FUTURE [48]
The New York Times

CONNECT WITH US

[7]

_Connect with us at these online events. You can also CONNECT WITH US on
LinkedIn by visiting OUR TEAM PAGE. [49] _

JANUARY 27
Webinar - Global Human Health & Ocean Pollution: A Conversation with Dr.
Phil Landrigan
+ DR. PHIL LANDRIGAN, leading epidemiologist and pediatrician, Director of
the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good at Boston College
+ JULIA COHEN, MPH, Plastic Pollution Coalition Co-Founder & Managing
Director

FEBRUARY 4
Save the Date - Plastic Avengers Event by Plastic Soup Surfer
+ JACKIE NUÑEZ, Founder, The Last Plastic Straw & Advocacy Program
Manager, Plastic Pollution Coalition

FEBRUARY 24
SAVE THE DATE - WILL HUMANITY SURVIVE PLASTIC POLLUTION? TOXIC IMPACT OF
PLASTICS’ CHEMICALS ON FERTILITY
+ SHANNA SWAN, PhD, leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologist
+ DR. PETE MYERS, Founder and Chief Scientist of Environmental Health
Sciences
+ DIANNA COHEN, Co-Founder and CEO, Plastic Pollution Coalition

CONTACT
_Send us an email! We need your voice and support. _

DONATE
_Donate to support our work to stop plastic pollution._

YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

DONATE [50]

#PLASTICPOLLUTES

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PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION is a growing global alliance of individuals,
organizations, businesses, and policymakers working toward a world free of
plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on humans, animals, waterways,
oceans, and the environment. 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 [51] | UNSUBSCRIBE [52]

Copyright © 2020 Plastic Pollution Coalition



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