It’s 2021: We’ve seen the videos, the nightly news clips, and the headlines that plastic pollution is a major threat to our planet. We unequivocally understand that we are drowning in a man-made material that pollutes our air, water, soil, and wildlife. But did you know that making plastic - cups, straws, bags, cutlery, styrofoam, pouches, polyester sweaters and yoga pants... is directly linked to the climate crisis and locks in cycles of harm to communities of color around the globe? 99% of plastic comes from fossil fuels and plastic production is a major driver of keeping the fossil fuel industry afloat. In order to tackle both the plastic pollution and the climate crisis, we must hold the fossil fuel industry to account.

In our inaugural episode, you’ll hear how fantasy-like art is transforming the cultural landscape of how we quite literally view plastic pollution. Artivist Von Wong’s latest project is a 30-foot levitating tap to remind governments and corporations that the plastic crisis needs to be front and center in decision-making. You'll also hear from Sharon Lavigne, a retired special ed teacher who recently halted Formosa Plastics from coming into her hometown. If built, the industrial complex would triple the levels of carcinogens in her community. Sharon lives in the heart of Louisiana's Cancer Alley, a region of the US which is already blighted by racism and exorbitant cancer rates from industry polluters.

Follow People Over Plastic on social media at @peopleXplastic on Instagram & Twitter.

Resources:

• Von Wong's Turn Off The Plastic Tap
• Sharon Lavigne, a 2021 recipient of the Goldman Prize
• Take action against Formosa Plastic
• A deep dive on Fossil Fuels + Plastics