It’s Black History Month, 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 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 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 and make a change for the better by stopping plastic pollution at the source.

Our upcoming March 23 webinar 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 (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.

One way we continue to support real solutions 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). Learn more.

Onward,

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

★ 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.

★ 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.

★ 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. You may also purchase Erica’s book, Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis, from Island Press 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.

★  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 and 2021 recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize; Judith Enck, President of Beyond Plastics and former Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Dr. Terrence Collins, Professor of Green Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University; and Erica Cirino, Plastic Pollution Coalition Communications Manager. The webinar will be moderated by Madison Dennis, Filtered Not Bottled Campaign Coordinator, Plastic Pollution Coalition. Sign up.

➤ Find more Events on our website.

★ 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.

★ Tell JPMorgan Chase: Defund Formosa Plastics
While Formosa Plastics’ “Sunshine Project” has been paused as a result of St. James’ residents’ activism, 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.

★ 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 to ensure this funding goes to safe, non-plastic solutions that put community health and safety first.

★ Plastic Pollution Coalition Is Hiring!
We are currently searching for a Communications Coordinator (Social Media) (Part-Time) and a Development Manager (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 to lead community outreach for their environmental education program, Wayfinder Society. 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.”

★ 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.

★ 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.

★ 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.

★ 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 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. Learn more.