FACT SHEETS
Vinyl chloride is a carcinogenic chemical used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Vinyl chloride is found in PVC pipes; vinyl siding, windows and flooring; packaging; furniture and car parts; children's toys, pet toys, shower curtains, credit cards, gift cards and many other consumer goods.
Chemical recycling is a dangerous deception that will NOT solve our plastic pollution problem. Get the facts.
Plastic production and petrochemical pollution disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color in the Ohio River Valley and the Gulf Coast — where the bulk of production is concentrated—and where fossil fuel, plastics, and chemical companies intend to build even more facilities.
Over 98% of plastics are made from fossil carbons such as oil and gas. Turning these substances into plastics involves the addition of petrochemical additives – quite a lot of them. Over 13,000 chemicals are known to be involved in the production of plastic. More than 2300 of these are “chemicals of concern.”
When food or beverages are microwaved in plastic containers, chemical additives from inside the plastic migrate into the food and tiny flecks of plastic known as micro- and nanoplastics are also shed into the food. Both of these can present health risks.
Synthetic turf is hazardous to human health due to chemical exposure, microplastics and the risk of skin burns as well as infections, with children being especially vulnerable.
Companies promoting the mail-back “recycling” of their poorly designed plastic products are not considering the climate and other environmental impacts of such programs which will hasten climate change.
Bioplastics and compostable plastics sound promising but they’re filled with false promises. Find out why.
1 million single-use plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute and more than 1/2 trillion plastic bottles are sold annually but less than 1/3 of all plastic bottles will ever be recycled. Cut the waste by replacing plastic bottles with aluminum cans in vending machines.
One million single-use plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute. By 2021, more than half a trillion plastic bottles will be sold annually.
At best, less than 1/3 of all plastic bottles will be recycled. We can do so much better.
REPORTS & STUDIES
Although there is a wealth of scientific information on plastic chemicals and polymers to inform policymakers, implementing this evidence is challenging because information is scattered and not easily accessible. The PlastChem report and database address this issue by comprehensively and consistently synthesizing the state of the science on plastic chemicals, including their hazard properties, and their presence in polymers. The state-of-the-science report provides the publicly available evidence to inform policy development that protects public health and the environment.
Plastic waste is a growing problem, and as plastics break down the pieces can be problematic. A new study in Science Advances suggests that tiny plastic particles may be the latest environmental contributor to Parkinson’s disease (PD)
Plastic waste is a growing problem, and as plastics break down the pieces can be problematic. A new study in Science Advances suggests that tiny plastic particles may be the latest environmental contributor to Parkinson’s disease (PD)
After a months long investigation, backed by interviews, regulatory filings, and visual evidence reveals that the facility has yet to start commercial scale production four months later. We have spoken with Ohio regulators that have contradicted company claims, and former employees that have exposed numerous issues. We believe PureCycle has mislead investors about the launch of its facility, or at the very least, will not come anywhere close to meeting production targets.
All types of water pipes, not only lead, can release chemicals into drinking water. Plastic pipes, which are constructed from potentially dozens of different chemicals, release more contaminants into drinking water than unlined metal pipes, which are built of few materials. Communities need to understand the potential health risks associated with different water pipe materials so that they do not end up with what’s known as a “regrettable substitution,” or a situation in which a selected alternative turns out to be just as bad, if not worse, as the original option.
All types of water pipes, not only lead, can release chemicals into drinking water. Plastic pipes, which are constructed from potentially dozens of different chemicals, release more contaminants into drinking water than unlined metal pipes, which are built of few materials. Communities need to understand the potential health risks associated with different water pipe materials so that they do not end up with what’s known as a “regrettable substitution,” or a situation in which a selected alternative turns out to be just as bad, if not worse, as the original option.
Every day, PVC production exposes communities around the country to vinyl chloride and other PVC chemicals, a result of the inadequate U.S. regulatory system that allows the use of the most hazardous chemicals and plastics. This investigation uncovers the largest polluters of vinyl chloride in the U.S. and maps the communities regularly exposed to this dangerous chemical and its waste products.
TOOLS YOU CAN USE
All the printable materials you need to create an event table that’s both engaging and educational.
A petition is a powerful tool to demonstrate public support for a desired outcome AND a good way to build your email list.
Follow these steps to draft an effective news media advisory that will get reporters to your event, webinar, news conference, etc.
Follow these steps to draft an effective news release that will result in coverage of your announcement.
An organizational sign-on letter can be used to demonstrate broad support for, or opposition to, an issue, idea, or action. Learn how to make yours effective.
A call-in day is an effective “outside game” strategy to catch the attention of a decision-maker and demonstrate that your issue has broad support. Follow these steps to ensure that your call-in day is a success.
Hosting a panel discussion is a powerful way to raise awareness about plastic pollution and move people to action to address this global crisis. Whether you’re hosting online or in-person, follow these steps to ensure your panel is a success.
Host a rally to raise awareness, put pressure on decision-makers, and get some media coverage for the cause.
10 expert tips on writing a letter to the editor that will not only be published but also catch the attention of the decision-maker or target you’re hoping to reach.
The single most effective way to influence your elected officials is to meet with them! Find out how to schedule an effective constituent meeting whether it’s via Zoom or in person.
You may not be able to meet in person but that does NOT mean you can’t meet! Use this step-by-step guide to host an effective virtual town hall meeting.
Events tend to generate large amounts of single-use plastic trash BUT THEY DON’T HAVE TO! With planning and a little extra effort, you can keep your event’s waste to a minimum.