Plastic Free July’s Post

US administrators are reportedly intending to support plastic production caps and chemical bans in the upcoming UN Global Plastic Treaty, marking a reversal on the government’s stance toward the negotiations. We speak to American plastics producers who are branding the decision a “betrayal,” and environmentalists who say the move is a non-partisan shift in favor of public opinion. Sian Sutherland John Hocevar Greenpeace USA A Plastic Planet #plasticpollution #climatechange #sustainability #circulareconomy Reported by Louis Gore-Langton. Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dHxPridC

More points of contention regarding issues like the level of detail of the UN Plastics treaty how legally binding it should be and what the supporting financial mechanisms should look like. Based on climate negotiations we can expect this to be a protracted process with efforts to delay incorporation of legally binding targets maintained at each step.It will be important to consider who is involved in these discussions and monitor for excessive industry influence. The treaty represents an important opportunity to reduce plastic pollution and tackle the vital issue of supply. But precisely because of this potential we can expect intense resistance and attempts to water down ambition.Those concerned with planetary health have an important role in scrutinising the process and lobbying for ambitious targets with near term goals.

Plastic is poisoning ALL OF US. Thanks to its creation, it’s now in our lungs, hearts, brains, placentas, and testicles. 🫁🧠🫀 That’s why we need systemic change.⁠ 🌟 Kirstie Pecci, Just Zero’s Executive Director, is in Washington, D.C. right now advocating for real solutions to the #plasticpollution crisis, including a global, legally binding #PlasticsTreaty that tackles the plastics crisis throughout its full life cycle. 🌍 The final round of Plastics Treaty negotiations starts on November 25, and we need your help to get a strong UN Plastics Treaty passed that curbs plastic production and puts reuse and refill systems in place. ✊ Here’s how you can help stop plastic: ✅️ Sign the Plastics Treaty petition LINKED BELOW ✅️ Share the petition with friends ✅ Speak up and spread awareness about the Treaty with others ✅ Continue supporting plastic-free businesses and organizations Video via UNEP 📹⁠ #BreakFreeFromPlastic #ToxicPlastics #BeatPlasticPollution https://buff.ly/3XkAGcm

Day 1 of INC-4 of the Global Plastics Treaty began with a firm commitment to address plastic pollution. 🌍 In a press briefing, UNEP Executive Director Inger Anderson discussed the previous limitations experienced during INC-3, assuring that measures are being implemented to ensure broader participation and more inclusive discussions in the future. Throughout the day, leaders emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive treaty that both protects human health and addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics. The importance of intersessional work leading up to INC-5 was highlighted, paving the way for effective negotiations. Momentum built during the afternoon sessions, with strong calls for significant progress. Contributions from observers and civil society groups further enriched the dialogue, reinforcing our collective resolve to develop robust strategies against the environmental impacts of plastics. #GlobalPlasticsTreaty #PlasticsTreaty #INC4 #WeAreGlobalSouth #LessPlasticMoreLife

Plastics treaty of the United Nations in jeopardy because of lobbyists powerplaying scientists I am with the Nature Editorial team, and with Nature writer Martin Wagner. https://lnkd.in/eNt8sUj4 https://lnkd.in/eWn8RzDE Says Wagner: "The widespread support for the treaty [UN's Global Plastics Treaty] is also striking. It comes from not only researchers, but also the public, civil society and businesses — “all the stars are aligned”, as one of my colleagues says. Swayed by scientists’ warnings and emboldened by public opinion, policymakers are willing to embark on this journey to end plastic pollution. In reality, however, not all stars are in alignment. Just as in global climate negotiations, countries and companies with vested interests are putting the treaty’s success at risk. The many nations striving for an ambitious treaty are being held hostage by those few that are locked politically and economically in a harmful plastics past. Reining in these vested interests is the key to unlocking a brighter plastics future." Lobbying toward balanced decision making is part of political processes around the world. It is enshrined in the First Amendment of the US Constitution, for example. However, in the arena of environmental endgames where industrial vested interests collide with the global need for sustenance - of and by our oceans - and ultimately survival (not only of homo "sapiens"), I believe our planet requires a solution where ultimately vested interests and their for-hire opinion- and decision-sculptors need to be disempowered.

🌏 Reflections on the Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations As the fourth round of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty unfolds, I find myself reflecting on our collective responsibility and my personal commitment to combat plastic pollution. This treaty isn’t just policy; it’s our chance to mend our planet's future. These negotiations aim to radically decrease plastic waste globally—a mission that resonates deeply with me. The challenges are immense, spanning economic, environmental, and social factors, but the potential for trans-formative change is even greater. This treaty represents a unified approach to a global crisis, which makes me feel hopeful for the future. Yet, I remain cautious, knowing that without concrete, enforceable actions, the promises could falter. We need more than agreements; we need actionable solutions that transcend borders. This is a pivotal moment for us in environmental and sustainability fields. Let’s advocate for strong, actionable commitments and support innovations that pave the way for sustainable materials and waste management. What are your thoughts on the Global Plastics Treaty? How do you think we can make a real impact? I’d love to hear your insights and ideas. #GlobalPlasticsTreaty #Sustainability #EnvironmentalAction #PersonalReflection

Plastic is poisoning ALL OF US. Thanks to its creation, it’s now in our lungs, hearts, brains, placentas, and testicles. 🫁🧠🫀 That’s why we need systemic change.⁠ 🌟 Kirstie Pecci, Just Zero’s Executive Director, is in Washington, D.C. right now advocating for real solutions to the #plasticpollution crisis, including a global, legally binding #PlasticsTreaty that tackles the plastics crisis throughout its full life cycle. 🌍 The final round of Plastics Treaty negotiations starts on November 25, and we need your help to get a strong UN Plastics Treaty passed that curbs plastic production and puts reuse and refill systems in place. ✊ Here’s how you can help stop plastic: ✅️ Sign the Plastics Treaty petition LINKED BELOW ✅️ Share the petition with friends ✅ Speak up and spread awareness about the Treaty with others ✅ Continue supporting plastic-free businesses and organizations Video via UNEP 📹⁠ #BreakFreeFromPlastic #ToxicPlastics #BeatPlasticPollution https://buff.ly/3XkAGcm

The fossil fuel, petrochemical and plastics industries are interconnected and they continue to distract from meaningful progress for the UN global plastics treaty. Recycling and narrow solutions won't protect us from the harm of plastic pollution. The global plastics treaty negotiations have wrapped in Ottawa but the deal isn't done. We're campaigning for limits on plastic production, restrictions on chemicals of concern and bans on non-essential single-use plastics worldwide. Sabaa Khan, Climate Director and Director General of Quebec and Atlantic Canada, shares: "Industry maintain a singular focus on narrow, end-of-life solutions, when in fact our center of attention must really be at the source of the problem. This treaty is not only about recycling and waste. As we heard from the global waste pickers alliance earlier this week, the global plastics treaty is a matter of life. Communities and workers all across the globe want and deserve better options, options that preserve our right to health, our right to a healthy environment, our right to decent work. Through a strong global plastics treaty, states can give industry the right signals on the primacy of public health over profit." #INC4 #EndPlasticPollution #PlasticsTreaty #cndpoli

A new Greenpeace International poll shows that 80% of people are concerned about the health effects of plastics on loved ones. Plastics are in the food we eat, 🍎the air we breath, 🫁 and in our bodies. 🩸 Yet, scientists are only beginning to understand the long-term health impacts of plastics. Right now, world leaders have the power to safely regulate plastics through an ambitious Global #PlasticsTreaty that cuts plastic production. Demand it! 🗣️Tell world leaders to champion a Plastics Treaty for our health, planet, and communities and check out Greenpeace International’s new report! 👉 PEOPLE VS PLASTIC! GLOBAL SUPPORT FOR A STRONG PLASTICS TREATY: https://lnkd.in/da5C69Ay

Plastic pollution is an urgent environmental crisis affecting every corner of our planet, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans. It's in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. We need a robust global treaty to significantly reduce plastic production to address this critical issue..