A 2020 study in Science estimated that between 24-34 million metric tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems every year, with a significant majority of that amount coming from land-based sources. Plastic pollution has become a pervasive issue, presenting a significant challenge to maintaining water quality and healthy ecosystems. Without immediate and sustained action by federal, state, local, and community partners, as well as the private sector, the amount of plastic waste in our oceans is estimated to triple by 2040. This webcast will explore findings from Pew’s Breaking the Plastic Wave report and discuss the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act. The webcast will also touch on government tools for plastic management highlighting the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee, NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, and EPA’s Trash Free Waters Program. Join this webinar to learn more about managing plastic pollution. After providing a broad introduction on plastic pollution and its resulting impacts, speakers will discuss the need for systemic change as well as solutions and initiatives that can be implemented to combat this urgent issue. Additionally, speakers will discuss current and anticipated federal strategies to address plastic pollution.
