In addition to global warming pollution, the manufacture and disposal of plastic creates environmental injustice. Frontline communities are devastated by local pollution from the factories, and the export of our garbage to other continents leads to horrific scenes on the coasts of other places. Micro-plastics are ubiquitous and wildlife cannot distinguish plastic from their food. You can lobby your MoC for the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.

The reading list:

• The Climate Minute on making plastics from methaneReport: Plastic is the new coal, from Beyond Plastic Break Free from Plastic
• A refinery in Monaca PA
• Here is the bill to address the 'upstream' manufacture
• Cancer Alley
• Are you eating a credit card per week of microplastic?
• https://upstreamsolutions.org/national-reuse-network

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for a building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist the United States transform it’s energy sector, over the next decade, under a just and equitable plan, that uses regulations, investments and a price on carbon to safeguard our collective future.

Thanks for listening.

…Ted McIntyre