Global Plastics Treaty - Negotiations Happening Now!
Surfrider’s Plastic Pollution Initiative Senior Manager, Jennifer Savage, is currently attending the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (better known as INC-2) at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, along with colleagues from Surfrider Europe. Take a front row seat into what’s happening!
Unfortunately, although the United States continues to acknowledge the environmental and human harm done at every stage of plastic production, representatives also consistently call for voluntary measures and sidestep global accountability.
There is still time for the United States to strengthen their stance but we need your help. Sign Surfrider’s Action Alert to demand a strong Global Plastics Treaty to protect our ocean!
Back in the states, we’re celebrating victories in Oregon with Governor Tina Kotek signing two bills into law to address the growing environmental and public health impacts of single-use plastics, positioning Oregon as a national leader in reducing plastic pollution.
Both bills were part of key campaigns of Surfrider Foundation Oregon Chapters to combat plastic pollution. Senate Bill 543 will phase out polystyrene foam foodware, packing peanuts and coolers and prohibit the use of PFAS, the toxic substances nicknamed “forever chemicals” because of their longevity, in food packaging starting January 1, 2025. Senate Bill 545 instructs the Oregon Health Authority to update the state’s health code to make it easier for restaurants to provide reusable container options, no later than June 30, 2024.
Bill advocates and sponsoring Senator Janeen Sollman (right) celebrate after floor passage. Sollman has been a tireless advocate fighting plastic pollution, reuse and recycling issues in the Capitol.
A Successful Club Cleanup Competition
The Student Club Network ran an inaugural cleanup competition for 2 months in an effort to increase the use of our cleanup database amongst students. Over 40 clubs participated and logged 2,272.46 lbs of trash in total. The competition included prizes for “best group photo” and “weirdest item found,” which was a leather motorcycle/dirt bike suit! Surfrider continues to use data gathered from our beach cleanups as a powerful tool to influence laws and reduce waste at source, through volunteer participation and information gathered on waste. So far this year, over 12,000 volunteers have removed 41,000 pounds of trash and recycling during 321 cleanups.
Spreading the Word about Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants
Did you know that Surfrider also has a Great Lakes Friendly Program? Our chapters in the Great Lakes region are working hard to welcome restaurants into the program and recognize those that are making more sustainable choices for our lakes and beaches. Sylvia Earle recently named the Great Lakes the first freshwater Mission Blue Hope Spot, due to the “unique connectivity they share with marine environments and human health.” Sadly, like the Ocean, the Great Lakes are also filled with plastic pollution. To raise awareness about the issue, Ocean Friendly Programs Manager, CJ O’Brien presented about plastic in the Great Lakes and Surfrider’s GLFR Program for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Old Woman Creek Science Fridays. Watch the recording here.
Is your local restaurant Great Lakes Friendly? If not, encourage them to sign up and join the movement to end single-use plastics!