How is single-use plastic related to environmental justice?
When we started researching the perils of plastic, we learned that the single-use plastics we rely on were most likely made in a factory located next to communities of marginalized individuals or people of color. This knowledge was highly motivating at a very emotional level. What is convenient for us is killing others. What is the fairness in that and what can we do differently? These factories spew harmful chemicals into the air and waterways resulting in much higher rates of cancer and other health risks in these communities. The impacts of our reliance on unnecessary single-use plastic in at-risk communities around the world will be covered in greater detail in future blogs. We McSisters see knowledge as a first step toward change.
What can you do?
Learn about Cancer Alley along the Mississippi River. https://www.propublica.org/article/welcome-to-cancer-alley-where-toxic-air-is-about-to-get-worse
Read or listen to Judith Enck’s testimony before the Senate EPW (Environment and Public Works Committee) at the first-ever Senate hearing on plastic waste. You can find it here by scrolling down about a third of the page: https://www.beyondplastics.org
Learn about government policies both local and national and write letters to your officials to support the reduction of the production and use of single-use plastic.
Speak up to your local businesses to encourage change in practices.
Reduce and refuse single-use plastic. Grassroot changes can make a powerful impact.
