Plastic-Free MKE is back to in-person meetings bringing together community members, individuals, coalition members, and everyone who wants to learn, connect, and take action on reducing unnecessary plastics in Milwaukee! Save the date for March 27th from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Branch, 1500 E. Park Pl. Laura Stevens, Resource Recovery Program Manager, from the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works will be presenting on recycling in Milwaukee followed by collective action activities. All are welcome and snacks will be provided!
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Volunteer: Learn how to volunteer with Plastic-Free MKE!
Volunteer training was last month, but don't worry if you missed it! You can watch the recorded volunteer training on how to table, run refill stations, and become a Lake Friendly business recruiter. Email sustainability@milwaukeeriverkeeper.org to watch the recording and sign up to volunteer.
Email: sustainability@milwaukeeriverkeeper.org
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Apply: Earth Echo Challenge
OurEcho Challenge STEM competition empowers and engages young changemakers (ages 13-16 in the US) in understanding and restoring the amazing diversity of species essential for the future of our planet. Young leaders will first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect, or restore those natural resources. Up to ten finalist teams will advance for a chance to win top prizes of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000! Submission entries close April 26, 2024 at 11:59 eastern.
Apply Here
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Join: Cornell's Plastics: Impact and Action Course Online
Cornell's Civic Ecology Lab has designed a 4 week course to explore the social and environmental relationships associated with plastics. This course utilizes critical and systems thinking to help you understand the scope of plastic's effects on our health, water, and environment. The final project allows you to design a local action or campaign that targets plastic pollution! To sign up or find out more information click the link below.
Register Here
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A Battle Over Plastic Recycling Claims Heats Up in California Over ‘Truth in Labeling’ Law
"Until 2021, California did not set specific standards for when a recycling logo could be used on products. Then lawmakers passed SB343, which prohibits use of the “chasing arrows” symbol or any other indicator of recyclability on products and packaging unless certain criteria are met."
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New York's bold move against plastic waste
“'We’re talking about cancer. We’re talking about brain damage in young children. We’re talking about obesity and diabetes, heart disease and early deaths in adults,” Trasande said. “Right now, the United States is not considering the costs to its own population of industries which continue to produce and consume plastic in the US.'"
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Plastic Waste Contaminants Could Promote Parkinson’s
"According to past research, it is common for blood samples to contain polystyrene nanoparticles, which come from pieces of foam packing materials, cups and cutlery. Research has also shown that unlike other kinds of plastic, polystyrene nanoparticles can enter the brain."
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Coalition Member Spotlight
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ACE: Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) is a national organization empowering young people to lead the fight for their future by engaging high school students to advocate for meaningful climate solutions. Locally, ACE educates young people about the climate emergency through in-person assemblies and mobilizes young voters. Youth-led Wisconsin Action Teams empower high school students around Milwaukee and Madison to build support for climate action. They motivate students to vote, stop fossil fuel development, and advance clean energy solutions to protect our Great Lakes.
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