The Plastic Crisis: Science and Solutions
About this webinar
Plastic is everywhere. As a result, our bodies and natural systems contain multitudes of harmful microplastics. In addition, fossil fuel-based plastic manufacturing disproportionately impacts communities of color while exacerbating the climate crisis.
For the health of our planet and the people living on it, we need to drastically reduce the amount of plastics entering the environment and our bodies. Current sustainable solutions are still a privilege. In order to shift away from our current model of excessive plastic consumption, we need inclusive solutions that effectively reduce production and encourage reuse.
Hear from CEC and Plastic Free Future founders Alejandra Warren (CEC’s 2024 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Environmental Hero) and Dr. Matt Warren to learn about the science behind the plastic crisis and to discuss solutions that can lead us to a healthier, cleaner, and plastic-free future.
We are only able to offer webinars like this to the community free of charge, thanks to the generosity of individuals like you. Please consider a gift to CEC in support of programming like this webinar.
Watch the recording to learn about:
Lifestyle changes that cut plastics out of your life
Collective actions that can increase access to sustainable choices
Advocating for policy change to hold companies accountable
Speakers:
Dr. Matt Warren, Plastic Free Future
Alejandra Warren, Plastic Free Future
Kathi King, Community Environmental Council
Resources
Learn more about the impact of plastics
Watch “The Story of Plastic,” to learn how you can take action for a future without plastic pollution
Read this brief history on marine litter research
Check out the Plastic Soup Foundation to learn how they are stopping plastic pollution at its source
Read the UN Environment Programme report detailing how the world can end plastic pollution
Learn about the hidden costs of the plastic crisis from the Center for International Environmental Law
Review the global Plastic Health Map to see which parts of the world are most impacted by plastic pollution
Familiarize yourself with the plastic chemicals of concern
Listen to The Plastic Elephant podcast, hosted by a CEC Climate Steward
Read about CEC’s plastic reduction efforts
Divert your waste
Find out what your local recycling program actually recycles. Look on your city, county, and/or waste management company website. California Central Coast resources include:
Reduce consumption and prioritize reuse
Visit a refill store to see what products you can refill versus purchase new, and get acquainted with lower-waste swaps for cleaning, hygiene, and more. California Central Coast refill stores include:
Mission Refill in Goleta
Sunkissed Pantry in Santa Barbara
The Refill Shoppe in Ventura
EarthTonics in Ojai
Learn to mend your clothing
If you need “new” clothes, consider purchasing second-hand from one of these California Central Coast stores
Advocate for plastic reduction
Learn more about Plastic Free Future’s programs and services
Take action with CEC: Join CEC's next Climate Stewards cohort, which kicks off in September, and stay tuned for opportunities to join future plastic reduction advocacy efforts
Ask your grocery store to add bulk bins (or add them back now that public health restrictions from the pandemic are no longer in force)
Support your local refill shop so they can continue to serve your community
Inspire others to take action
Talk with your friends and family about small steps they can take that make big impacts
Lead by example–show the youth in your life how to live plastic-free
