Timothy Cross
October 22, 2024
Plastics
The Center for Earth Ethics addresses the global plastics crisis by highlighting its harmful impacts on ecosystems, health and marginalized communities. We advocate for systemic change, support local and global initiatives that address all levels of the plastics production chain from creation to disposal, and promote policies that prioritize environmental health over corporate profit. Through educational programs, gatherings and policy research, we emphasize the need to take on the plastics industry head-on as we work to inspire collective action toward sustainable and ethical alternatives.
Plastics pose extreme threats to wildlife, ecosystems, land, water, air and human health. The scale and risks associated with the plastics crisis mandates bold action and international cooperation.
Our Work
Break Free From Plastics
In January 2024, CEE joined Break Free From Plastics, global coalition dedicated to creating a future free from plastic pollution. With more than 1,900 member organizations in more than 160 countries, BFFP operates on the shared values of environmental protection and social justice.
"Plastics: From Innovation to Catastrophe"
In her recent policy note, CEE research and policy associate Alyssa Ng explores the global challenge of plastics, from their origins to the current crisis. She explores the health risks and social injustices that plastics pose, the connection between the plastics and fossil fuel industries and much more.
Convening Global Advocates
Ahead of the INC-4 plastics treaty negotiations, CEE sat down with plastics advocates to discuss “sacrifice zones”—areas disproportionately impacted by pollution, often inhabited by marginalized communities. The panel highlighted global struggles against the harm done to ecosystems, health and livelihood by the plastics industry. Panelists emphasized the urgent need for systemic change to address ongoing exploitation and environmental racism.
Advocating for Policy Change
CEE at INC-4...
In May 2024, CEE’s Andrew Schwartz traveled to Ottawa to attend INC-4—the international negotiations for a global treaty to address the plastics crisis. The week-long negotiations as a whole failed to deliver, though the lack of ambition was unfortunately predictable due to the prevalence of fossil fuel interests at the negotiations.
CEE in Washington...
In June 2024, Andrew Schwartz joined other members of the Break Free from Plastics coalition to lobby lawmakers in Washington D.C. They pushed for several bills, including the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which would limit new plastics facilities and phase out single-use plastics. Advocates also urged U.S. support for the Global Plastics Treaty, emphasizing a lifecycle approach to reduce plastic production and eliminate toxic chemicals.
Andrew Schwartz
April 26, 2024
Ned Joyner
April 2, 2024