Can we get rid of single‑use plastic products? 

Plastic pollutes our landfills, natural areas, and oceans.The “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” in the Pacific Ocean is an island of Plastic.  As you may know, non‑biodegradable plastics, even at the microscopic level, endanger marine life when ingested and emit toxins in the air we breath that can pose serious public health risks.  On land, these plastics have made their way into some of our nation’s most protected natural areas.  A 2020 study estimates that every year wind and rain bring around 1,000 metric tons of plastic—in the form of microplastics.  Listen to Sarah Stark, Environmental Compliance and Outreach Coordinator for Marborg Industries in Part 1, explain how to keep plastics from our landfills by recycling appropriately and Kathi King, Director of Climate Education for the Santa Barbara Environmental Council in part 2, share the untold story of Plastics.

A “Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act” (S. 984), was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D‑OR) in March 2021.  This bill would impose federal fees for products like plastic bags; close loopholes used to export plastic waste; and encourage the use of alternative, sustainable materials instead of single-use plastics, which we can all start to use now!  Please know we appreciate hearing your thoughts and actions that will help address the mounting plastic waste crisis. Please Email me: President Barbara Muller at bgaughenmu@aol.com or go to Unasb.org