Tag: Pollution

Project 2025 Undermines Water Justice and Threatens Public Health

/ activist360
Splash of a drop of clean water with text that reads:
Splash of a drop of clean water with text that reads: “Protect our water. Protect our environment. Vote #Harris. Vote Blue.


Project 2025 envisages a conservative restructuring of the EPA that prioritizes industrial and business interests over the need for clean water and air, putting communities at risk, especially those near industrial zones. Project 2025 undermines the agency’s ability to protect diverse communities and uphold the human right to clean water. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

Decentralization and Reduced Federal Oversight

Earlier this year, on April 10, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration finalized the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect against PFAS, alongside announcing nearly $1 billion from the “Investing in America” agenda to combat these contaminants in public systems and private wells. This landmark initiative, benefiting around 100 million people, aims to significantly reduce illnesses and deaths associated with PFAS exposure, which have been linked to severe health problems including cancers and liver damage.

Project 2025 undermines these advances and instead create a patchwork of environmental standards. States with fewer resources or less governance resolve will fail to adequately protect water quality, which disproportionately affects vulnerable communities that rely on strong federal standards to safeguard their environment. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

Cutting Back on Regulatory Authority

Project 2025 foretells a reduction in the breadth of the EPA’s authority to regulate, allowing polluters to operate with less scrutiny. This will lead to increased water contamination incidents, similar to the Flint water crisis, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

By focusing on reducing the EPA’s regulatory reach and emphasizing cost-effective solutions over comprehensive environmental protections, essential safeguards are weakened, especially those that prevent industries from polluting water sources. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

Redefinition of Scientific and Risk Assessment Standards

    The push for open-source science and revising scientific advisory roles dilutes scientific rigor in decision-making if it is driven by political considerations rather than unbiased scientific inquiry. This results in standards that fail to adequately protect against contaminants known to harm human health. The move toward risk-based regulation overlooks long-term and cumulative impacts of exposure to pollutants. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

    Limiting Legal Recourse

      Project 2025 reduces the EPA’s enforcement and compliance capabilities, restricting individuals and communities’ ability to hold polluters accountable through legal action. By delegating more authority to state and local levels, it weakens the uniformity and strength of enforcement across regions and diminishes the legal empowerment of affected communities to sue for enforcement and compliance. This shift erodes a key check on corporate and governmental accountability in environmental protection. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

      Human Right to Clean Water

        Clean water is a fundamental human right recognized by the United Nations. Any weakening of water quality standards or reduction in enforcement capability jeopardizes this right, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Effective protection of water sources is essential not just for health but for the dignity and well-being of all individuals.

        Communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income populations often face the brunt of environmental degradation and are the most affected by policies that do not prioritize robust environmental protections. Ensuring their right to clean water requires strong federal oversight and stringent, uniformly applied environmental regulations. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

        Summing Up

        Project 2025 proposes a conservative restructuring of the EPA that places industrial and business interests ahead of the imperative for clean water and air, potentially endangering communities. Project 2025 undermines the EPA’s capacity to safeguard diverse communities and the human right to clean water by favoring economic considerations over environmental and public health protections, exacerbating existing inequalities and environmental justice issues, necessitating the maintenance of robust federal oversight and stringent environmental standards. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

        The Global Plastic Crisis: Corporate Accountability & Reduction Strategies

        / activist360


        Photo of plastics near trees. Myanmar (Burma). Photo by Stijn Dijkstra, Pexels.

        The global plastic pollution crisis, driven by major corporations, has reached alarming levels. The recent study “Global Producer Responsibility for Plastic Pollution,” published in Science Advances, reveals a direct link between corporate plastic production and the branded waste found polluting our planet.

        Key Findings of Plastic Pollution and Corporate Influence

        The study, conducted over five years (2018-2022) across 84 countries, with particularly robust coverage in Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, analyzed over 1,500 brand audits to quantify the sources of plastic pollution. The findings are staggering:

        • Just 56 companies accounted for over 50% of all branded plastic pollution documented globally.

        • The top contributors include The Coca-Cola Company at 11%, followed by PepsiCo (5%), Nestlé (3%), Danone (3%), and Altria (2%).

        • There was a clear linear relationship between a company’s plastic production levels and the amount of its branded plastic pollution found in the environment.

        • Food and beverage companies producing single-use plastics were disproportionately higher polluters compared to their production volumes.

        • A startling 50% of the plastic pollution items found were completely unbranded. This highlights the need for improved labeling to identify polluter sources and hold companies responsible.

        These results show evidence that major corporations are driving the global plastic crisis through their excessive production of disposable plastic products and packaging. Food and beverage companies, which produce many single-use plastic products, were disproportionately higher polluters relative to their production volumes compared to companies making longer-lasting household and retail products. 

        There were noticeable gaps in data from regions like South America, central and north Asia, the Middle East, and central Africa.

        Strategies for Reducing Corporate Plastic Pollution

        To combat global plastic pollution effectively, the study suggests several strategies:

        • Phase out non-essential single-use plastics: Corporate polluters, especially the largest polluters identified, need to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastic products.

        • Invest in alternative materials: Develop and utilize safer, sustainable materials.

        • Implement reuse and refill systems: Promote systems that reduce the need for single-use packaging and promote and alternative materials.

        • Maintain standards of transparency and accountability: Develop international standards for packaging labeling and branding.

        The study also revealed that 50% of plastic pollution items found were completely unbranded, highlighting a critical lack of transparency and traceability. To address this, the researchers recommend the creation of an international, open-access database where companies would be required to report their plastic pollution – from production to waste.

        By holding corporations accountable and compelling them to fundamentally shift away from single-use plastics, we can move towards tackling the plastic pollution crisis. This data-driven approach provides a clear roadmap for environmental activists, policymakers, and concerned citizens to demand urgent action from the world’s largest plastic polluters.

        The Role of Transparency and Accountability

        The study recommends creation of an open-access global database where companies must quantitatively track and report their plastic product and packaging data, as well as releases into the environment. 

        There is yet no single, comprehensive global database that mandates reporting of all corporate plastic production and waste; however, there are several initiatives that aim to increase transparency and accountability.

        • The Global Commitment and Plastic Pact Network led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation requires members to track and report their progress on plastic waste reduction. The Plastic Disclosure Project also encourages companies to voluntarily report their plastic pollution.

        • The European Union has implemented directives requiring companies to report on packaging and waste. 

        • The Global Plastic Action Partnership also engages stakeholders to shape national action plans on plastic pollution.

        • Some countries have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which requires producers to report on production, recycling, and waste management activities. 

        Mobilizing Stakeholders for Action

        The clear link established between corporate plastic production and environmental pollution underscores an urgent need for systemic changes in how plastic products are produced, used, and disposed of. With a significant portion of plastic pollution traceable back to a handful of major corporations, especially those producing single-use plastics, the path forward requires a combined effort of corporate innovation and robust governmental regulation. By focusing on extended producer responsibility and encouraging sustainable alternatives, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution and move towards a more circular economy. It is crucial for governments, corporations, and consumers to work together to implement these changes and preserve our environment for future generations.

        No More Excuses

        The era of excuses and inaction has ended. We must hold these corporations accountable for their contributions to the plastic pollution crisis.

        Source: Cowger, W., Willis, K. A., Bullock, S., Conlon, K., Emmanuel, J., Erdle, L. M., Eriksen, M., Farrelly, T. A., Hardesty, B. D., Kerge, K., Li, N., Li, Y., Liebman, A., Tangri, N., Thiel, M., Villarrubia-Gómez, P., Walker, T. R., & Wang, M. (2024). “Global producer responsibility for plastic pollution.” Science Advances, 10(eadj8275).

        Earth Day, A Call to Action for Our Planet

        / activist360


        Blue Marble 2000. Credit: NASA, Image created by Reto Stockli with the help of Alan Nelson, under the leadership of Fritz Hasler. CC 2.0.

        Earth Day, observed on April 22, is a global movement focused on protecting our planet. This year, as the collective acknowledgment of environmental degradation’s profound impact, we are also presented with an opportunity to champion a cause that could significantly alter the course of our environmental future—the Global Plastics Treaty.

        Origins & Significance of Earth Day

        Earth Day first emerged in 1970, initiated by Senator Gaylord Nelson after witnessing the catastrophic effects of an oil spill in Santa Barbara. The first Earth Day mobilized 20 million Americans and led to the creation of significant environmental policies and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Today, Earth Day engages millions of people worldwide in activities aimed at preserving our planet, underscoring the power of collective action in tackling global challenges.

        Why Earth Day Matters

        Earth Day is crucial for several reasons:

        • Environmental Education: It raises awareness about pressing environmental issues and promotes sustainable practices.
        • Global Solidarity: Earth Day unites people across the globe, emphasizing that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility.
        • Action and Advocacy: The day inspires individuals and organizations to engage in activities that protect the environment, from local clean-ups to global initiatives.

        Earth Day 2024: End Plastic Pollution

        The theme for Earth Day 2024 is the urgent need to combat plastic pollution. Plastics, particularly single-use plastics, are a severe threat to the environment, filling our oceans, killing wildlife, and disrupting ecosystems. The focus is on reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040 and eliminating single-use plastics by 2030.

        The Urgent Call for the Global Plastics Treaty

        In conjunction with Earth Day’s efforts, there is a significant push for the Global Plastics Treaty, a comprehensive international agreement aimed at tackling plastic pollution globally. With over 14,905 signatures, this petition calls on the United Nations and government organizations to adopt stringent measures against plastic pollution, including:

        • Reducing fossil fuel-based plastic production by 60% by 2040.
        • Holding producers accountable for environmental and health-related damages.
        • Banning plastic waste exports and incineration.
        • Promoting innovation in alternatives to plastic.

        If we do not change our current habits, we will see a rise in hormonal diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular damage linked to the production and consumption of plastics. However, this bleak future is not inevitable; we have the ability to redirect our path and avoid this looming crisis.

        How You Can Help

        This Earth Day, let your actions speak louder than words:

        • Sign the Global Plastics Treaty Petition: Join the global movement to push for a binding international agreement that addresses plastic pollution head-on.
        • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Make personal changes to minimize your plastic usage.
        • Participate in Community Actions: Engage in local Earth Day events that focus on cleaning up and reducing plastics and help spread the word.

        Final Thoughts

        Celebrating Earth Day means committing to protect our planet continuously. By supporting initiatives like the Global Plastics Treaty, we can take significant steps towards a sustainable future free from plastic pollution. This Earth Day, let’s not just celebrate our planet; let’s take concrete steps to save it. Together, we can make a difference, but only if we act now. Join the movement, sign the treaty, and be part of the solution. We have the power to change our environmental destiny and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

        Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all living creatures.

        —Gaylord Nelson