Paul Wermer, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0Aug 29, 2024

From the Katharine Hayhoe - always informative & worth following

"Last week, I wrote about how recycling aluminum and cardboard can be very effective. Around the world, though, less than 10% of plastic is actually recycled. So when it comes to plastic, the best thing we can do is not use it in the first place.

Getting rid of it is a big challenge, though, and that’s why we need global initiatives like the Global Plastics Treaty to end plastic pollution. In November, negotiators will meet in South Korea to finalize the treaty, but there’s still plenty of arguments from nations who don’t want to cut back on plastic production. As Beyond Petrochemicals director Heather McTeer Toney talked about back in December when she guest-edited this newsletter, long-standing and toxic ties between the fossil fuel industry, plastic pollution, and inequity are fueling this fight.
(continued)

Show threadPaul Wermer, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0Aug 29, 2024

In the meantime, we can get a head start on a plastic-free future by taking steps to cut it out of our lives. Reusable water bottles, refillable containers, bar shampoo, plastic-free dishwasher soap & laundry detergent that are easy to find, and great to use. If you live in a city, more and more package-free, zero-waste shops are popping up that allow you to refill your grocery and household staples using your own containers.

But don’t forget the power of your voice. Reach out to your local representatives or your favourite providers and ask them what they can do to get rid of plastic. When we work together, we can accomplish so much.

For example, a new U.S. study finds that plastic bag bans in New Jersey, Vermont, as well as Portland, OR, Santa Barbara, CA, and 18 cities in Pennsylvania have "reduced the number of single-use plastic bags used each year by around 6 billion.” That’s incredible!

Show threadPaul Wermer, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Organizations and cities can require plastic free take-out packaging for food. Schools are organizing plastic-free lunch days. There's lists for catering organizations of alternative products that don't use plastic.

What do all these initiatives have in common? They all began with one person saying, “Why don’t we do this?” Next time, that person could be you!

Aug 29, 2024 at 12:08amWeb
Show threadPaul Wermer, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0Aug 29, 2024

And if you are a San Franciscan, how about calling #MayorBreed's office and ask her to introduce legislation to reduce single use plastics in SF - 415-554-6141, email [email protected]

Did you know she's had legislation restricting single use food service items on her desk for a long time now - and hasn't introduced it?