We could soon have a global plastics treaty, and in the United States, Senators Booker and Huffman introduced a new bill, the Protecting Communities From Plastics Act, that recycles (see what I did there?) key elements of the Break Free From Plastics Act. Let's turn off the tap on plastic pollution, people! 

 

Last month, the White House Council on Environmental Quality launched the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, which is critical to ensure that the benefits of Federal programs reach communities overburdened by pollution and historic underinvestment. 

 

Speaking of, a new funding mechanism to compensate those countries disproportionately affected by a climate emergency (that they didn’t cause) reached agreement at COP27. 

 

Are you feeling it? A new survey showed that 90% of people in the United States believe the holidays are too materialistic. I feel like this is a change that’s within our means to control, especially since another study found 78% of U.S. consumers vote with their wallets for sustainable companies — an increase of 9% since 2021. Let's do this! 

 

Speaking of… Please don't trash that Christmas tree – here's how (and where) to recycle it. 

So proud to know the incredible writer who is Mary Helen Stefaniak — she has not one but TWO books out this year! I can’t wait to read this collection of essays, which Valerie Laken calls a “treasure trove of marvels.” (And how gorgeous is that cover? I want it on my wall!) Both of these fantastic writers are faculty at Pacific University, where I am pursuing the slow boat to an MFA. 

Today, 40% of food is wasted in the U.S. and is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. I discovered Too Good To Go while working with B Lab, which certified the app: Retailers sell discounted surplus food to consumers through an app that you download for free, preventing food waste and the carbon that goes with it. Get on it!