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Rallying around garbage gyre, group targets disposable plastics

Article-Rallying around garbage gyre, group targets disposable plastics

Operating under the platform that "nothing justifies the use of disposable plastics for personal or business use," a coalition of individuals, organizations, and businesses is using a just-completed forum and a series of web videos to elevate the cause of reducing plastic pollution. The Plastic Pollution Coalition's 2011 international campaign to end plastic pollution includes its REFUSE online video endeavor, which features celebrities and everyday people pledging to refuse disposable plastics.

At a recent event in Santa Monica, CA, 150 leaders, artists, activists, and scientists attended in person in addition to more than 75 "watch parties" and satellite events. During the program, the coalition issued four challenges to participants. The first challenge was for individuals and businesses to refuse disposable plastics. Secondly, manufacturers of virgin resin, plastic packaging, and plastic products were called on to take responsibility for their products, develop alternatives, and voluntarily cap non-biodegradable virgin resin product. Thirdly, the group challenged government to develop policies that curb the "irresponsible" use of plastic. Finally, the fourth challenge was to plastic manufacturers from ocean nations: "Come together and form a union against the onslaught of plastic to your environment, economic well-being and public health." 

Live and online attendees then signed a "REFUSE" pledge, with multiple celebrities, including Benicio Del Toro and Jack Johnson calling on people to create their own 'REFUSE Plastic' messages. 

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