Happy Plastic Free July! From engaging with our allies, communities, and individuals, to publishing peer-reviewed research, influencing plastic pollution policy action, and landing highly visible articles in the media, Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) has been busy communicating facts and sharing solutions to plastic pollution, supporting the innovative and creative ways communities have shown how to be plastic free during July, and proving it can be done all year long.

We kicked off the month highlighting four inspiring PPC Members who are aligned in their mission to build a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on communities and ecosystems around the world: FillGood, Plastic Free Future, Plastic Free Restaurants, and USEFULL. The theme of reuse in July’s Member Spotlight is a key plastic-free principle that—along with refill, regenerate, repair, and share—will help us build solutions for the world we need to survive and thrive.

July may become “Plastic Pollution Action Month” in the U.S. thanks to a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37). In their proposal, policymakers cited serious concern over the plastic pollution crisis that is threatening human and environmental health—which is big progress in the world’s worst plastic-polluting country. Last month, Senator Merkley and Representative Doggett were joined by 65 House Members in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan to go further in reducing plastic pollution, especially that caused by microplastics, as the EPA gathers comments on its Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution. Our op-ed in The Hill focused on the need to avoid greenwashed false solutions—particularly in any policies aimed at addressing the plastic crisis.

We also published a scientific review about the hazards of incorporating used plastic into construction materials in the journal Frontiers in Built Environment. While uncovering seriously harmful impacts of this growing greenwashing trend, our research also shows the benefits of real solutions needed to end plastic pollution. Our allies at 5 Gyres published research establishing a framework to unravel the complexity of plastic pollution, leading us to solutions that end plastic pollution at the source.

Finally, we weighed in on the cultural and plastic pollution impacts of Barbie, as the new film drives a jump in sales of its namesake plastic doll and accessories. And we curated a webinar on Greening Hollywood Sets to Flip the Script on Plastics—continuing our important work to shift cultural norms around plastic.

Learn more about our activities and opportunities to get involved in solutions to plastic pollution below. Here’s to being plastic free in July—and all year round!

Onward,

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

P.S. In honor of Plastic Free July, please consider making a donation to support our work to educate, connect, and advocate for a world free of plastic pollution.

★ In Our Real World, Barbie’s Plastic Is Not So Fantastic
In Greta Gerwig’s new movie, Barbie, actor Margot Robbie plays the film’s namesake plastic doll as she navigates Barbieland—a highly artificial, mostly plastic place designed seemingly for women’s empowerment and positivity. Yet, as the plot progresses, the film’s namesake becomes distressed when she leaves her perfect, pink plastic home to visit the challenging and imperfect “real” human world. But while reviewers have much to say about Barbie’s cultural significance, something that’s been less discussed is that in our world, Barbie’s plastic is not so fantastic. Read the blog.

★ How Reusables Flip the Script on Plastics
Our friends at Plastic Free July published our guest blog post which discusses the impacts of the “emotional support water bottle” trend popularized by the AppleTV+ original comedy Shrinking, particularly among Gen Zers and Millennials. Written by Amelia Hanson, PPC’s Project Coordinator for the Flip the Script on Plastics initiative, the blog post emphasizes how on-screen reusables both help viewers model solutions to plastic pollution and can help screenwriters more effectively develop characterization in their work. Read the blog.

★ Highlighting Reuse Solutions While On the Go in Outside Magazine
Kristin Hostetter, head of sustainability for Outside Magazine featured plastic-free reuse tips from PPC Advocacy and Engagement Manager and Founder of The Last Plastic Straw Jackie Nuñez to help eliminate plastic pollution while traveling. Learn how to make your own low-to-no-cost zero-waste travel kit and other strategies for avoiding single-use plastics while on the go. Read the article.

★ Greening Hollywood Sets to Flip the Script on Plastics
While Hollywood workers strike for fairer and more favorable contract provisions, PPC learned more about how changemakers in the entertainment industry are “Greening Hollywood Sets to Flip the Script on Plastics.” During this thought-provoking discussion, we explored the power of the entertainment industry to drive positive change to measurably reduce plastic pollution by eliminating single-use plastic in production. We were joined by Ellen Crawford, Actor and Union Activist; Asher Levin, Creative Director of the Environmental Media Association (EMA); and Emellie O’Brien, CEO & Co-founder of Earth Angel. The panel was moderated by Jordan Howard, Founder of ShftSpace. Watch the recording.

★ U.S. Policymakers Propose Making July “Plastic Pollution Action Month”
On July 13, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), introduced a resolution that, if passed, would make July “Plastic Pollution Action Month” in the U.S. In their proposal, policymakers cited serious concern over the plastic pollution crisis that is threatening human and environmental health. The resolution encourages all individuals and the U.S. as a country to recommit to taking action to reduce plastic pollution, in July and beyond. Read the blog.

★ Cautioning Against Greenwashed False Solutions in The Hill
Erica Cirino, PPC’s Communications Manager, published an op-ed in The Hill to draw attention to the need to avoid greenwashed false solutions—particularly when formulating any policies aimed at addressing the plastic crisis. The op-ed focuses on the dangers of replacing conventional fossil fuel plastics with bioplastics, which are still single-use, drive pollution and injustice, and typically are just as toxic to use. Read the op-ed.

★ Researchers Urge Caution About the Use of Plastic “Waste” in Construction Materials
In a review published this month in Frontiers in Built Environment, researchers analyzed 100 studies primarily from the last 10 years, and assessed the costs and benefits of incorporating used and discarded plastic into composites, roads, synthetic turf, lumber, soil stabilizers, adhesives, insulation, and rammed earth. Based on their findings, the researchers urge caution—and more research—before these materials are created and widely adopted for use. Read key findings.

★ Ask Pete Anything, Episode Two: Plastics
PPC Scientific Advisor Pete Meyers at Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) recently called on PPC to help answer some FAQs about plastic pollution—which the EHS team incorporated into a short informational video. Watch the video.

★ August Webinar: Plastic-Free Back to School
With summer winding down in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s back-to-school time for many students. While back-to-school time is usually associated with plastic binders, water bottles, pens, and other single-use plastics, it’s possible to avoid a school year filled with toxic plastic—and we are going to show you how. On August 17, learn why reusable, refillable, non-plastic school supplies like stainless steel lunch boxes and food storage containers are better for student health, the planet, and wallets—and how to incorporate them into the school year. We will also discuss how schools can incorporate reusable, plastic-free items and practices into their operations. Joining the conversation will be Jessica Campbell, Educator at Mount Madonna School; Debby Lee Cohen, Executive Director & Founder of Cafeteria Culture; and Heather Itzla, Founder of Wisdom Supply Company. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Manasa Mantravadi, Pediatrician and Founder & CEO at Ahimsa. Sign up.

★ Virtual Tour of Ecovative’s New Mushroom Packaging Facilities
On July 31, 2023, see how PPC Business Member Ecovative makes its Mushroom Packaging, an amazing plastic-free, regenerative, and nontoxic alternative to conventional plastic packaging. Get an up-close look of their facilities on an exciting virtual tour. Learn more and register.

➤ Find more Events on our website.

★ Member Spotlight: FillGood, Plastic Free Future, Plastic Free Restaurants & USEFULL
PPC is proud to represent businesses and organizations that are addressing the plastic pollution crisis head on. From a wide range of industries and focuses, PPC Members are aligned in their mission to create a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on communities and ecosystems. To uplift and showcase their work, our monthly Member Spotlight blog gives readers an inside look at some of these influential change-makers. Our third edition focuses on the theme of reuse for Plastic Free July, and features FillGood, Plastic Free Future, Plastic Free Restaurants, USEFULL. Learn more.

★ PPC x Oceanic Global partnership
PPC and Oceanic Global have partnered to help mitigate the plastic pollution crisis. PPC is now offering its Business Members additional verification through Oceanic Global’s Blue Standard (Blue), a cross-industry standard that empowers businesses to eliminate plastic pollution and adopt comprehensive sustainability measures that protect our blue planet. Learn more.

★ PPC x Save The Waves partnership
PPC has partnered with Save The Waves Coalition, an international non-profit working to protect surf ecosystems around the world, around the Save The Waves App, a coastal monitoring tool that empowers surfers and beach-goers to track threats to coastal ecosystems, such as plastic pollution, ghost fishing gear, erosion, and poor water quality, to name a few. The Save The Waves App connects the information from reports in real-time with local organizations leading clean ups, brand audits, and global trash mapping initiatives, among other local and global partners. Learn more.

★ Join the Coalition
Not yet a member of Plastic Pollution Coalition? You may join as an individual, organization, or business. Apply here.

★ Ban Plastic From School Lunchrooms & Protect Children's Health
Studies show that plastic in the food system can lead to harmful chemicals leaching into the foods our children eat. Today, there are more than 10,000 additives approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to serve, preserve, package, or modify the taste, look, texture, or nutrients in foods. However, a recent review of nearly 4,000 food additives showed that 64% of them had had no research showing they were safe for people to eat or drink. PPC Business Member AHIMSA is leading an effort to tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture to avoid using these materials in its school lunch program. Sign the petition.

★ Tell the U.S. Government: Take a Stronger Stance on the Global Plastics Treaty
Plastic production, transportation, use, and disposal threaten Earth’s communities, air, water, biodiversity, and soils. With UN Treaty negotiations underway through the end of 2024, the U.S. government (USG) has the unique opportunity to play a key role in the change we need on a worldwide level: instead of leading the world in generating the plastic pollution crisis, it's time for the USG to lead by forging ambitious solutions. Sign on to tell the USG to take a stronger stance on the Global Plastics Treaty. Outside the U.S.? Sign the petition calling on world leaders to create a bold, binding treaty to end plastic pollution.

★ 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. Lead pipes should be replaced with non-toxic materials, not plastics like PVC. Plastic pipe materials can similarly leach toxic chemicals and microplastics that accumulate in the environment and in our bodies. PPC and our allies are working to ensure this funding goes to safe, non-plastic solutions that put community health and safety first. Sign the petition.

➤ Find more Petitions on our website.

★ Weigh in on the U.S. EPA’s Plastic Pollution Draft Strategy
The public comment period to weigh in on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newly proposed “Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” is open for submissions until July 31, 2023. While at PPC we are encouraged that the EPA has taken steps to address plastic pollution on a federal level, we are concerned that this draft falls short of making serious progress to tackle this urgent, global crisis threatening the health and lives of people and the planet. Submit your comments by July 31, 2023.

★ Break Free From Plastic Microfunds for Brand Audits
Our allies at Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) have announced microfunds to provide need-based financial support to 30 member organizations planning a brand audit event in 2023. Core member recipients will be awarded $500 USD each and associate members will be awarded $300 USD each to help cover their organization's brand audit event expenses. In an effort to elevate new brand audit stories, microfund recipients will also be asked to share their data findings in a short case study (template provided by BFFP). This round of applications will consider brand audit events scheduled to be held July–September, 2023. The deadline to apply for this round is August 11. If your brand audit event will take place October–December 2023, please wait for the second round of applications to open on October 2. Apply here by August 11, 2023.

★ Small Grants for Environmental Health and Justice Groups
Our allies at the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice (CHEJ) have opened a Small Grants Program for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues. Grassroots communities of color, low wealth, rural and urban groups are encouraged to apply. This grant program will support projects that help groups move toward their goals by building leadership, increasing capacity, and/or providing training and education. Submit your proposal by August 14, 2023.

★ 2023 Environmental Media Awards Call For Submissions
The Environmental Media Awards (EMA) honor film and television productions that increase public awareness of environmental issues and inspire personal action on these issues. To be eligible, narrative and documentary feature films must have sold distribution rights and have been released either theatrically or at an accredited film festival, direct-to-video, or video on demand (streaming or transactional) between August 31, 2022, and September 1, 2023. In addition, television productions in all categories must have first aired between August 31, 2022, and September 1, 2023, on a national network, cable, public television, first-run syndication, or streaming channel. The deadline to submit is August 14, 2023.

★ 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 and nutrition/food systems, health and human services, and environment. Please note that the Claneil Foundation does not accept self-nominations. Nominations are due by September 15, 2023.

★ Guide for Journalists: Reporting on Greenwashing & False Solutions to Plastic Pollution
The media plays a crucial role in society, especially in battling the spread of misinformation and false claims. Created by PPC and BFFP, this guide shows how journalists can identify misinformation about plastic pollution, and shares solutions-oriented tips to make reporting and storytelling on plastic pollution both truthful and impactful. Get your free copy of the Guide and watch the recording of our April webinar focused on greenwashing.

★ 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 to make a bigger impact, PPC's resource library is a great place to start. Explore the Resource Library.