In a series of press conferences, media interviews and meetings with local environmental organizations, the PPC group discussed plastic pollution and its effects on eco-system degradation, public health, environmental justice and global awareness about these issues. In a top-line estimate, we have reached over 100,000 people in a combination of press conferences and media coverage.

In Central America, the plastic pollution problem has a key focus on plastic bottles, plastic bags and of course, single-use and disposable plastics. Yet we were so happy to discover a solution that is almost extinct in North America – refillable glass bottles.  In talking with business owners we found out that refilling bottles is more economical as well.

We were happy to discover that small roadside restaurants serve food on metal platters, lined with palm leaves, and metal utensils. Beautiful, functional, reusable.

This visit is so important to the global movement to end plastic pollution, that we would like to share the details with you and the individual presentations. Press clippings and Spanish translations will be posted as they become available.

• Daniella Russo, Plastic Pollution Coalition – a general overview of the issue of plastic pollution as the nexus of eco-system degradation, public health, environmental justice and corporate responsibility. Resources: presentation in English | key points in English | key points in Spanish
• Wallace “J” Nichols, LiVBLUE – an overview of plastic pollution as a key threat to marine animals, and the environment. Resources: abstract in English | abstract in Spanish (coming soon)
• Nancy Buermeyer, Breast Cancer Fund – linkages between chemicals used in plastics and public health issues. Resources: full presentation in English | full presentation in Spanish (coming soon) | List of scientific references | BCF’s State of The Evidence Report, just released.
• JD Russo, PPC Advisor – how to engage people, cutting through the wall of indifference and apathy Resources: abstract in English | abstract in Spanish (coming soon)

NICARAGUA

Partner organisations Jovenes Ambientalistas and Preserve Planet hosted the press conference at Auditorio del Centro del Conocimiento. Over 200 people came in to hear the message; to ask questions and to engage in a dialog about the issues and the solutions. At the conclusion of the press conference, Jovenes Ambientalistas announced a program with youth organizations to address the issues of plastic pollution. JD Russo was invited to speak at local schools. The event was covered by La Nacion, the leading publication in Nicaragua. We were truly impressed by the work of Jovenes Ambientalistas and Eco-clubes and plan to further collaborate and support their good efforts.

COSTA RICA

Partner organisation  Preserve Planet hosted the press conference at Auditorio Nacional, Museo de los Niños. Again, over 200 people came to hear the talks. After the conclusion of our presentations we gave interviews to the local TV station: the leading newspaper La Nacion published a full page interview with J Nichols; hosted an hour-long live chat at La Nacion, and visited every radio station for interviews. The interest was great, with special focus on the report about little known pubic health impacts of chemicals used in plastic products.  There were many questions about bio-plastics (pros and cons), and alternatives. We were excited to hear that Preserve Planet is planning on launching a campaign to raise awareness about plastic bottles. Just some of the press coverage in Costa Rica:

Newspapers: La Nacion  (two times), La Republica, Tico Times, La Prensa Libre (full page); Magazines: Revista Perfil; TV: Channel 6 News, Channel  7 news, channel Extra tv 42 news, channel 15 Costa Rica University; And many alternative media outlets.

GUATEMALA

Partner organizations G22, SAVIA and Preserve Planet hosted the press conference at Teatro de la Cúpula in Guatemala City.  So many were the attendees, that we invited them to sit on stage with us. The organizers put in a last-minute effort to provide simultaneous translatiors – the attendance exceeded everyone’s expectations. Like all other events, it was a terrific event, of discovery and connectedness with the global movement against plastic pollution. The questions were focused again on alternatives, bio-plastics, new products and learning more about the health impacts. Our Guatemalan hosts inspired us with their vision and true commitment to a lifestyle of environmental consciousness.

This is just a beginning of a great new connection for Plastic Pollution Coalition and we look forward to our next steps.

Please contact us (contact@plasticpollutioncoalition.org) if you would like to be involved in our initiatives in Central America.

In series of press conferences and meetings with local media, the group will share research and data on the global issues of plastic pollution, and reach out to the people of Central America with a call to action – REFUSE single use and disposable plastics; and reduce your plastic footprint.

The details for the press conferences are:

NICARAGUA

Partner orgs: Jovenes Ambientalistas y Preserve Planet

• LUGAR:  Auditorio del Centro del Conocimiento
• DIRECCION:  Ofiplaza el Retiro. Edificio 6, 3er piso Managua
• FECHA Y HORA:  Martes 28 de junio, 9:00 am
• PARA MAYOR INFORMACION:  (505) 22780387. consejero@jovenesambientalistas.org

COSTA RICA

Partner orgs:  Preserve Planet

• LUGAR:  Auditorio Nacional, Museo de los Niños
• FECHA Y HORA:  Miercoles 29 de junio, 2:00 pm
• CONFIRMATION: Luis Diego Marín Schumacher <luisdiego@preserveplanet.org>

GUATEMALA

• Partner orgs: G22, SAVIA y Preserve Planet
• LUGAR:  Teatro de la Cúpula
• DIRECCION:  7a Avenida y 13 Calle zona 9. Tel. 2332.2690 del Teatro
• FECHA Y HORA:  Martes 5 de Julio, 2011 a las 9 a.m.
• CONFIRMACION: pbx 2389.4000 / conferenciappc@cmpvirtual.com

BPA has been banned from baby bottles and children’s sippy cups in Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont, four counties in New York and the City of Chicago. Connecticut and Vermont restrict the use of BPA in baby food and infant formula. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark have banned BPA in food containers for young children, and calls for bans are moving through Europe.

In California, Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has introduced legislation that would ban BPA in infant food packaging, in addition to other food and beverage containers.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the plastics industry spent over 5 million dollars attempting to kill this bill in California and describes just how difficult the fight was. More details also in the press release of PPC member, Breast Cancer Fund.

The bill will now go to the California Senate for a concurrence vote (the Senate already passed the bill last year), and then to California Governor Schwarzenegger’s desk.

The mission of the Breast Cancer Fund is closely related to the our mission. First, we share a concern about the carcinogenic properties of plastics. Carcinogenic chemicals are released throughout the entire life cycle of plastics from production, through use and disposal. In addition, we share the Breast Cancer Fund’s strategy to get to the root of the problem by eliminating carcinogens from our products through legislative action like the proposed federal ban on BPA in food and drink containers.

No more than 10 percent of breast cancers are genetic, and science points to toxic chemicals and radiation as factors in the sharp rise of breast cancer incidence. Through public education, policy initiatives, advocacy and innovative campaigns, the Breast Cancer Fund mobilizes the public to secure the changes needed to stop this disease before it starts.

The Breast Cancer Fund focuses on the potential impacts of toxic chemicals on breast cancer; however, the group is cognizant that reducing human exposure will also keep these chemicals out of our air, waterways, soils and ice caps to reduce exposure for all animals, including humans.

The Breast Cancer Fund has taken a lead in federal advocacy for elimination of carcinogens in plastics, and  includes excellent information on its website about the carcinogenic dangers of plastics.

Welcome on board!