Dear John, Yes! It’s Plastic Free July, with good news for the National U.S. movement this month as the U.S. federal government has announced a review of its purchasing practices to reduce single-use plastics. This comes in response to a petition led by the Center for Biological Diversity and supported by 180 organizations, including Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC), which named the U.S.
government as the “single largest consumer in the world” and called on the U.S. General Services Administration to take action.
On the California State government level, CA Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 54 into law, a bill aimed at making all packaging in California recyclable or compostable by 2032—though many advocates are skeptical of its ability to effect real change. This is the latest in a series of California statewide actions to curb and reduce plastic pollution—from new legislation in California announced last fall on plastics, to a recent investigation launched by the California Department of Justice into ExxonMobil’s role in misleading the public on the polluting nature of plastic for decades. In June, Coalition member The Last Beach Cleanup filed lawsuits alleging that plastic bags are non-recyclable and therefore illegal in California, and PPC and 74 NGOs sent a letter to Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta urging the enforcement of California’s existing law on plastic bags and films, SB270, which was voted into law by California voters in 2016.
For July, we’re excited to announce the launch of Plastic “Tox,” a new audio interview series produced by PPC. Join us as we go in depth with experts and activists about plastics and health, policy, and more. For our inaugural episode, I sat down
with Dr. Shanna Swan to explore the impacts of phthalates on human fertility and reproduction. It’s a candid discussion with one of the world’s foremost experts on plastics and related chemicals of concern. For our second episode, Jackie Nuñez discusses the Break Free From Plastic week of action that took place in June, including what was happening on the ground in D.C., next steps, and more.
Finally, please join us in extending a warm welcome to our new staff members: Madison Dennis, Campaign Coordinator; Kristin Getz, Operations & Finance Coordinator; and Aidan Maguire, Coalition Program Manager. We’re so pleased to have you on the team! Onward together, 
Dianna Cohen
Co-Founder & CEO
Plastic Pollution Coalition P.S. Thanks to everyone who has already donated to our Plastic Free July campaign. If you haven't, you can still double your impact with a match from generous donors until July 31. Your support makes our work possible, so thank you in advance.
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