Nominees for The Earthshot Prize 2023 Offer Solutions & Hope
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FEBRUARY 2023

[Ohio Train Derailment petition] [2]

Dear John,

It’s Black History Month [3], and as we reflect on the ENVIRONMENTAL
INJUSTICES FACED BY BLACK, BROWN, INDIGENOUS, LOW-INCOME, AND RURAL
COMMUNITIES, it is crucial to acknowledge the DANGERS PLASTICS AND FOSSIL
FUELS CONTINUE TO POSE to those living on the frontlines of industrial
hazards and pollution. Earlier this month, we were unfortunately confronted
with ONE OF THE WORST ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS IN U.S. HISTORY. The train
derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has released a yet unquantified amount
of TOXIC CHEMICALS USED IN PLASTICS PRODUCTION [4] into the surrounding
air, soils, and waterways affecting people in both eastern Ohio and western
Pennsylvania.

It's not just the Earth that suffers from industrial pollution and
accidents, but also every living being that calls it home who FACES SERIOUS
RISKS TO THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY. Recent news reveals that toxic waste
removed from the Ohio-Pennsylvania derailment site is now being transported
and injected into the ground along the Houston ship channel, leading to the
emergence of escalating environmental injustices. Vulnerable communities
[5] who are already impacted by industrial and petrochemical facilities in
this area are now being exposed to an even greater pollution burden and
potentially life-threatening conditions. The repercussions of this
CATASTROPHE WILL BE UNDOUBTEDLY FELT FOR YEARS TO COME, and it's our
responsibility to act now [2] and make a change for the better by stopping
plastic pollution at the source [6].

OUR UPCOMING MARCH 23 WEBINAR [7] will focus on accessing safe drinking
without toxic plastic during U.S lead pipe replacement. This webinar is
also a virtual event to be presented at the 2023 UN WATER CONFERENCE [8]
(March 22–24, 2023). Learn from frontline and scientific experts about
the environmental injustice implications and TOXIC CONSEQUENCES OF PLASTIC,
LEAD, AND OTHER POLLUTANTS IN OUR DRINKING WATER. This will be an excellent
opportunity to hear from experts and learn about safe solutions, such as
using filtered, not plastic bottled water, which will protect communities
during lead pipe replacement as well as those near production sites. Sign
up [7].

One way we continue to support real solutions [9] to plastic pollution is
by AMPLIFYING PEOPLE AND GROUPS ON THE FRONT LINES OF POSITIVE CHANGE. That
is why PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION CONTINUES TO BE A PROUD NOMINATOR FOR
THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE—an annual award that aims to find solutions to the
planet’s environmental challenges. This year we are excited to nominate
BLUE MIND (DR. WALLACE J NICHOLS), CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY
GENERAL, ECOVATIVE, LOLIWARE, PLASTIC-FREE JULY, AND PROJECT 17 (AY YOUNG)
[10]. Learn more [10].

Onward,

[Jackie Nunez]

Jackie Nuñez
Founder, The Last Plastic Straw
Advocacy & Engagement Manager, Plastic Pollution Coalition

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

[Plastic Pollution Coalition Nominates Six Solutions for The Earthshot
Prize 2023] [10]

★ PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION NOMINATES SIX SOLUTIONS FOR THE EARTHSHOT
PRIZE 2023
Plastic Pollution Coalition is excited to announce our six nominees for The
Earthshot Prize 2023. We are honored to be among the 370 official
Nominators from 67 countries to select projects with ambitious but
achievable goals for our planet and society which, if achieved by 2030,
will improve life for us all, for generations to come. This year we have
selected NOMINEES ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE
PLASTIC POLLUTION CRISIS WITH AMAZING AND INSPIRING SOLUTIONS. Together,
these nominees are working to reduce plastic production and use, calling
for accountability from the industries causing plastic pollution, centering
people over profits, and focusing on the interconnectedness of human and
ecological health. Read more [10].

★ BLACK HISTORY MONTH: 10 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GROUPS & LEADERS WE
CELEBRATE TODAY—& EVERY DAY
Each February, Black History Month is celebrated in the U.S. to honor
African Americans and African American contributions to global society and
culture. It’s also a time to celebrate and reflect upon Black resilience
in the face of unjust social discrimination, and uplift Black voices and
stories. BLACK COMMUNITIES IN AMERICA are one of several underserved groups
that have historically and presently face WIDESPREAD ENVIRONMENTAL
INJUSTICES, being disproportionately and unfairly targeted by polluting
industries, activities, and infrastructure—ESPECIALLY THOSE CONNECTED TO
PLASTICS AND FOSSIL FUELS. Read more [3].

★ INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE: A SAILING STORY TO
CELEBRATE
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11) and on
every other day of the year, it’s important to celebrate and UPLIFT WOMEN
AND GIRLS WHO CONTRIBUTE TO SCIENCE. Plastic Pollution Coalition’s
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND AUTHOR ERICA CIRINO previously worked as a
photojournalist and spent much of her time REPORTING FROM THE SEA, WHERE A
SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATION OF PLASTIC POLLUTION IS BREAKING DOWN INTO HARMFUL
MICROPLASTICS and nanoplastics that threaten the health of people,
wildlife, and plants. Through her work, Erica helped to TURN THE TIDE on
the misunderstandings about the plastic pollution crisis, and continues to
work to INSPIRE OTHERS TO TAKE ACTION. Read more [11]. You may also
purchase Erica’s book, _Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to
the Plastic Crisis_ [12], from Island Press [12] for 25% off using discount
code PPC25.

★ WATCH: FEBRUARY WEBINAR – PLASTIC-FREE PET CARE: SAFEGUARDING THE
HEALTH OF OUR FURRY FRIENDS
During our February 16, 2023 webinar, we discussed the health HAZARDS OF
PLASTICS USED IN PET CARE PRODUCTS. We provided tips and tricks for finding
PLASTIC-FREE ALTERNATIVES and explored the impacts of plastic waste on the
environment and how we may reduce our plastic footprint as we care for our
animal friends. We were joined by Dr. Arlene Blum, Founder & Executive
Director, Green Science Policy Institute; Dr. Marty Goldstein, Veterinarian
& Author, _The Spirit of Animal Healing_; and Tracy Rosensteel, Founder,
Pooch Paper LLC. The webinar was moderated by Dianna Cohen, Co-Founder and
CEO, Plastic Pollution Coalition. Watch the recording [13].

UPCOMING EVENT

[March Webinar – Safe Drinking Water for All: Protecting Communities
from Plastic During U.S. Lead Pipe Replacement] [7]

★  SIGN UP: MARCH WEBINAR – SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR ALL: PROTECTING
COMMUNITIES FROM PLASTIC DURING U.S. LEAD PIPE REPLACEMENT
During our March 23 webinar, we will discuss the HEALTH HAZARDS OF
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES AND PLASTIC PIPES such as those made from
polyvinyl chloride (PVC). We’ll recommend options for safe, non-plastic
drinking water solutions during lead pipe replacement as well as tips and
RESOURCES TO ENSURE COMMUNITY WATER SOURCES REMAIN FREE OF POLLUTANTS.
Joining us will be Sharon Lavigne, founder of Rise St. James [14] and 2021
recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize; Judith Enck, President of
Beyond Plastics [15] and former Regional Administrator for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency; Dr. Terrence Collins, Professor of Green
Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University [16]; and Erica Cirino, Plastic
Pollution Coalition Communications Manager. The webinar will be moderated
by Madison Dennis, Filtered Not Bottled Campaign Coordinator, Plastic
Pollution Coalition [17]. Sign up [7].

➤ FIND MORE EVENTS ON OUR WEBSITE. [18]

TAKE ACTION

[Tell Trader Joe's to Skip Single-Use Plastic Packaging] [19]

★ Tell Trader Joe's to Skip Single-Use Plastic Packaging
Currently it’s nearly impossible to shop at Trader Joe’s without
bringing home a MASSIVE AMOUNT OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PACKAGING. By
significantly reducing its use of single-use plastic packaging, Trader
Joe's could make a considerable positive impact on the environment and SET
AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHER RETAILERS to follow. Sign the petition [20].

★ TELL JPMORGAN CHASE: DEFUND FORMOSA PLASTICS
While Formosa Plastics’ “Sunshine Project” has been paused as a
result of St. James’ residents’ activism [21], Formosa’s operations
elsewhere continue—despite numerous legal violations, from dumping
mercury-laced waste in Cambodia to poisoning fish in Vietnam to releasing
plastic pellets into the Texas Gulf. TELL JPMORGAN CHASE TO LIVE UP TO ITS
“COMMITMENTS” TO HUMAN RIGHTS, RESPONSIBLE INVESTING, AND RACIAL EQUITY
BY DIVESTING ITS CURRENT SHARES IN FORMOSA PLASTICS—a plastics producer
with one of the worst environmental and human rights track records in the
world. SIGN THE PETITION [22].

★ Tell EPA: Don’t Replace Lead Pipes with Plastic Pollution
The U.S. Federal government has approved $15 billion to replace toxic lead
services lines bringing water into the homes of 22 million people in the
U.S. SIGN THE PETITION [23] TO ENSURE THIS FUNDING GOES TO SAFE,
NON-PLASTIC SOLUTIONS THAT PUT COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY FIRST.

OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

[EPA Environmental Justice Grant Programs] [24]

★ PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION IS HIRING!
We are currently searching for a Communications Coordinator [25] (Social
Media) (Part-Time) and a Development Manager [26] (Full-Time). We encourage
you to review the job descriptions and share with your networks. All
qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

★ ALGALITA IS HIRING!
Algalita Marine Research and Education seeks an Engagement Director [27] to
lead community outreach for their environmental education program,
Wayfinder Society [28]. This role will work closely with the Education
Director and Executive Director and will represent Wayfinder Society in all
public outreach (online and off) with environmental educators in California
and beyond. The ideal candidate has experience building and growing
communities online and/or facilitating events and workshops around shared
interests. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until March
10, 2023.

★ USAID Powered by the People (PxP) Grants Program
USAID has announced $45,000,000 in total funding over a five-year period to
increase support to activists, civic organizations, and movements using
collective action to make positive change. Similarly to the EPA grants
outlined above, this opportunity with the USAID may be time-consuming for
smaller groups. However, it may be worth your organization taking this
opportunity into consideration. APPLICATION PACKAGES MUST BE SUBMITTED ON
OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 2023, AT 3:00 PM EST. Application information can be
found here, under “See Related Documents.” [29]

★ EPA ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT PROGRAMS
The U.S. EPA has announced $100 million in total funding for Environmental
Justice Grants, and we encourage our Members to take advantage of this
opportunity. We know such grants can be cumbersome for some smaller groups
given the substantial amount of paperwork involved, but there may be value
in looking into this opportunity for your organization or group of
organizations. APPLICATION PACKAGES MUST BE SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE APRIL
10, 2023 AT 11:59 PM EST. Application information is here [30].

★ EMERGING LEADERS FUND
The Claneil Foundation created The Emerging Leaders Fund to support the
critical role that executive directors play in launching and growing
early-stage organizations. The Foundation awards a four-year unrestricted
general operating grant totaling $300,000 to each recipient’s
organization along with access to a support network of peers. Recipients
are selected based on their creative vision, leadership capacity, potential
for impact, and commitment to innovation and learning in one or more of the
following issue areas: education, hunger & nutrition/food system, health &
human services, environment. Please note the Claneil Foundation does not
accept self-nominations. NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. [31]

★ EXPLORE PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION’S RESOURCE LIBRARY
A wealth of resources are available in our online library to help educate
and mobilize individuals to take action on plastic pollution. From research
and reports to educational materials, the library has something for
everyone. Whether you're an individual looking to reduce your own plastic
footprint or an organization looking for ways to make a bigger impact,
PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION'S RESOURCE LIBRARY is a great place to start.
LEARN MORE [32].

★ The Begley-Cohen Test Tip Sheet from Hollywood, Health & Society
How does a TV show or movie represent plastic and plastic pollution on
screen? Hollywood, Health and Society [33] worked with Plastic Pollution
Coalition to create a handy tip sheet to help audiences and content
creators understand how our Begley-Cohen Test can be used to assess plastic
representation in popular media and help to Flip the Script on Plastics
[34]. Learn more [35].

YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

DONATE [36]

#PLASTICPOLLUTES

[Facebook] [37] [Instagram] [38] [Twitter] [39] [Youtube] [40]

Plastic Pollution Coalition is a non-profit communications and advocacy
organization that collaborates with an expansive global alliance of
organizations, businesses, and individuals to create a more just,
equitable, regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic
impacts. 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 [41] | UNSUBSCRIBE [42]

Copyright © 2023 Plastic Pollution Coalition



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