Plastic Free July
It’s July! This means the weather is warming up, summer is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to join millions of others in reducing your use of disposable, single-use plastics. Founded by change maker Rebecca Prince-Ruiz in 2011, Plastic Free July has grown into the Plastic Free Foundation. Rebecca and her team believe that we, as individuals can change our relationship with plastic and together work towards a world without plastic waste. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for tips on simple things to do to reduce your plastic consumption. There are also several blogs out there with tips. Remember that these principals and lifestyle changes can be implemented during any time of the year, not just July.
Speaking of plastic, Washington has a new expanded polystyrene (aka Styrofoam) ban that started June 1, 2024. Restaurants and other businesses are no longer allowed to provide styrofoam containers to customers. Why is this important? Styrofoam (and all other plastics) are derived from fossil fuels (which contribute to planet warming emissions) and break down into microplastics. The effects of microplastics on human health are just being investigated, but we know that we are all ingesting them and the effects are not benign. Due to the cost and difficulty recycling Styrofoam, the majority of it ends up in landfills, waterways, or on streets. The Washington Department of Ecology is working to educate businesses about the new ban and intends to start with education rather than fines for violations. If you know of a restaurant who has made a switch away from styrofoam, thank them. If you know of a business in violation of the new law, you can file an anonymous report.
Town Hall Meeting
“Future of Sustainability and Resilience in Spokane”
As part of Spokane’s Expo 50 celebration, Spokane Zero Waste joined other local environmental organizations in sponsoring a Town Hall on the “Future of Sustainability and Resilience in Spokane”. Speakers were asked to talk about their vision of a better future for Spokane, the steps needed to achieve that future, and things to avoid. Spokane Zero Wastes Elyse Hochstadt envisions a day when our Waste to Energy plant won’t have enough waste to produce energy (and air pollution!) because our waste will be managed upstream a.k.a there will be less waste produced in the first place. To achieve this vision Elyse envisions community composts in high density housing areas, businesses, and schools. Refill stations for consumables will be standard, and good paying jobs will be filled by people working to support a circular economy. Getting there will require avoiding the pitfalls of thinking the future will look the same as the present, accepting that technology will not save us, and changing our narrative from instant gratification to imagining things 7 generations into the future. Other panelists talked about water conservation, increasing tree canopy, and having the community participate in city planning. A participating local physician, summarized how a cleaner future matters to all of us by emphasizing that what is good for your health is also good for the planet (e.g. walking, biking, eating lower on the food chain, and community gardening).
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