Here's a roundup of the latest news and updates from Coalition members. We want to hear from you! Please send us your updates.
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.
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.
Report: Bankrolling Plastics
The new report by Portfolio Earth shows the banks that are funding plastic packaging pollution. Read more.
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, “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. 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.
Report: The State of Chemical Recycling
A new report by environmental consultancy Eunomia, “Chemical Recycling: State of Play" 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. 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 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.
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. 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.
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.
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, 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. The plan itself launched with a video featuring Plastic Pollution Coalition notable members Jane Fonda and Keb' Mo' together with diverse advocates and activists. Learn more. 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. UPSTREAM’s Skip the Stuff Campaign
Through the National Reuse Network, 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 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 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 - 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.
'Environmental Justice' Added To Waste Facility Review Standards
Maine’s Board of Environmental Protection 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.
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