February Newsletter

 

More Partners Join the Plastic-Free MKE Movement! 

Thank you for your commitments!

The Plastic-Free MKE Coalition is expanding with the addition of Pete's Pops and Green Life Trading Co. It is so encouraging to welcome these two businesses to the plastic-free movement - thank you for your commitments! Also, the Lake Friendly Business program is expanding, as well, with the addition of Odd Duck and Goodkind. Supporting local Lake Friendly Businesses is a great way to eliminate single-use plastics in your community, so be sure to check out their menus! 

 

Stay Engaged

 
 
 

Experiment: Trying to Live a Day Without Plastic

In a 24 hour experiment, one journalist tried to go plastic free. "Since its invention more than a century ago, plastic has crept its way into every aspect of our lives. Plastic has made possible thousands of modern conveniences, but it has come with downsides, especially for the environment." Read about Jacob's experience, and possibly attempt going plastic-free for a day. 

 

Attempt the experiment yourself

 

Attend: Woolly Bear Winter Festival 

Join the River Revitalization Foundation outside for the Woolly Bear Winter Festival on Saturday February 11th. There will be a bonfire, s’mores and hot dogs, sledding and ice-skating, a “Northern Lights” woolly bear play, and other kid-friendly crafts. The Bear Fest is FREE and open to the public, no registration required! 

 

Check out the event details

 
 

Register: Plastic-Free Pet Care

Plastic Pollution Coalition is hosting a webinar on Thursday, February 16th at 4:00pm CT about plastic-free pet care! They will provide tips and tricks for plastic-free alternatives, This webinar is for anyone who wants to learn more about how to provide the best care possible for their furry, feathered, or scaly pals - while also taking better care of our planet.

 

Register Now

 
 
 
 

Plastics in the News

 

Book Excerpt: The Unknown Risks of Microplastics in Indoor Air.

"Based on the number of particles they caught near the floor, the researchers calculated that up to a thousand fibers are deposited per square foot each day, which matched with the number of fibers they found in the vacuum bags."

Read the full article

How Microplastics are Infiltrating the Food You Eat

"European farmland could be the biggest global reservoir of microplastics, according to a study by researches at Cardiff University. This means between 31,000 and 42,000 tonnes of microplastics, or 86 trillion to 710 trillion microplastic particles, contaminate European farmland each year."

Read the full article

The Climate Impact of Our Insatiable Plastic Addition

"Plastic was responsible for 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. That’s 3.4% of the global total... Researchers project that the emissions from plastic will exceed 2.5 billion metric tons by 2050."

Read the full article

Should You Be Worried About Endocrine Disruptors? Here's What Experts Say.

"You can be exposed to endocrine disruptors through the food and drink you consume, the pesticides you come into contact with and the cosmetics that you use, NIEHS says. Basically, they're nearly everywhere."

Read the full article

How Companies Greenwash Their Plastic Pollution

"Companies' commitments frequently involve waste reduction strategies, like increasing recycled or recyclable content in packaging and advancing recycling-related efforts, notably paying less attention to how virgin plastic production can be reduced."

Read the full article

 

In Honor of Black History Month

 

Advocate for Environmental Justice

Plastic-Free MKE believes in building an anti-racist movement that values people and relationships above all. In honor of Black History Month, we are celebrating the contributions of Black communities to the Environmental Justice movement as their legacy is undeniable.

 

Read How Black Leaders Have Advanced Environmental Justice

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Explore Plastic-Free Gift Ideas this Valentine's Day

"Valentine's Day is about celebrating love, and, whether that's love for a partner, friend, or family member, there are many ways to do this sustainably, ethically and with love for the Earth." There are many gift ideas that show the extent of your love, without the extra environmental cost.

 

Find a Sustainable Valentine's Gift Now