PLASTIC
The versatility and durability of plastic have made it a constant part of our day to day lives. But these traits have also made it problematic to avoid and properly discard, creating an abundance of single use plastic pollution. Our reliance on this material is impacting our health and our planet.
Plastic pollution is a complex problem that is growing, as plastic production expected to double in the next 15 years. We at Go Green Glen Ellyn are parents and concerned residents who are asking the question: “Is it time we reconsider our relationship with plastic?”
Below are some of our favorite resources to learn more about this complex issue and actions you can take.
Presentation to DuPage County Board on Plastic and Human Health Concerns
On May 28, 2024, Go Green GE President Jacquelyn Casazza presented to DuPage County Board members about plastic pollution and human health concerns. Because of plastic pollution, microplastics have been found throughout the human body in numerous studies. The chemicals used to make plastic are increasingly being linked to health issues, and we have yet to see how this will impact us all in the future. We encourage you to watch the 10 min presentation beginning around the 20:30 mark, and please share feedback with us at info@gogreenglenellyn.org; which we can to share with the County Board.
We thank members of the County Board for their engagement and interest on this issue and their warm reception, as well as County Board member Sheila Rutledge for providing this opportunity.
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Take Action: Switch from Single-Use Plastic Bottles
5 MIN READ. Learn why this should be your year to switch from single-use plastic bottles! Learn why the cost, quality control, environmental and health concerns with single-use plastic bottles are so problematic for us and the planet. Then join us in reducing your use of single-use plastic bottles!
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Take Action: Switch from Single-Use Plastic Bags
5 MIN READ . Learn why this should be your year to switch from single-use plastic bags! Learn why single-use plastic bags, once touted to save the planet, are now a major environmental headache. Then join us in reducing your use of single-use plastic bags!
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Take Action: BYO Container!
5 MIN READ . Learn why this should be your year to start bringing your own container to restaurants for leftovers! Learn why bringing your own container is better for you and the planet, then join us in the newest BYO trend —one that’s even part of a new Illinois law that allows consumers to do this!
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Plastic - Explained in 6 minutes
This video from National Geographic explains what is plastic, how it’s made, the challenges it presents, and some ideas for alternatives. An excellent plastic primer for adults or kids!
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Plastic Pollution & Community Solutions
WATCH THE VIDEO. An expert panel, moderated by the Daily Herald’s Jenny Whidden, looked at plastics from every angle, such as:
What is plastic, and why we should care?
Our waste hauling system and the recovery of certain plastics
How to reduce and reuse
Potential Illinois legislation to address plastic pollution
Panelists:
Jacquelyn Casazza, President and Co-Founder, Go Green Glen Ellyn
Jen Walling, Executive Director, Illinois Environmental Council
Kay McKeen, Founder and Executive Director, School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education (SCARCE)
Walter Willis, Executive Director of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County
from April 12, 2023
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U.S. Senate Committee Hearing on Plastic Pollution
WATCH THE HEARING. Titled “Examining the Impact of Plastic Use and Identifying Solutions for Reducing Plastic Waste,” this hearing presented human and environmental health considerations of plastic use, as well as information about alternative recycling methods such as “chemical recycling.”
Testimony provided by:
John Peterson "Pete" Myers, Ph.D. , Founder, CEO & Chief Scientist, Environmental Health Sciences
Judith Enck, President, Beyond Plastics
Matt Seaholm, CEO, Plastics Industry Association
Eric Hartz, Co-Founder & President, Nexus Circular
From December 15, 2022
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Plastics Impact and Efforts to Address Issues for Lake Michigan
Efforts to counter warming temperatures, microplastics in Lake Michigan.
Billions of tons of plastic waste are piling up in landfills and waterways around the globe. Over time, this waste breaks down into micro- and nanoplastics that are easily ingested by aquatic animals and even find their way into people’s bloods and organs.
Guests:
Joel Brammeier, CEO of Alliance for the Great Lakes,
Vinayak Dravid, Abraham Harris Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering; founding director of the Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center (NUANCE)