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LWVCC encourages active and informed participation in government. We are a nonpartisan nonprofit organization aiming to support voters and influence public policy.
 
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LVWCC

“TAKE A PASS ON PLASTICS”

Change the way you think about and use single-use plastic

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Our mission is to reduce single-use plastics waste among residents, businesses and organizations in Collier County through education and advocacy.

WHY  PLASTICS ARE SUCH A PROBLEM

GAO landfill burn recycle graphPlastics waste is huge, growing, and rarely recycled The US produces over 40 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. Only 9% of the plastic ever produced anywhere in the world has been recycled.  In the U.S., about 85% went to landfills, and 16% was incinerated. Image source: U.S Environmental Protection Agency
Plastics pollution lifecycle graphicPlastics do not biodegrade and can take hundreds of years to decompose into small particles call microplastics. As a result, plastic waste accumulates. The Great Plastic Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean is twice as large as the size of Texas. Image source: World Wildlife Fund
Turtle caught in soda can imagePlastic harms our wildlife. Plastic harms our wildlife. Hundreds of birds, manatees, and turtles off Florida's coasts have swallowed or become entangled in plastic litter, which can be life threatening. Plastics eaten by fish and shellfish may find their way up the food chain and eventually be eaten by people.



Finger showing microplasticsPlastics may harm our health. Microplastics contaminate our air, food and drinking water. Studies have found microplastics in breast milk, placentas and other human tissue. Although more research is needed, existing evidence raises many concerns that microplastics may be harmful. Microplastics 

Plastics production chartGlobal plastic production continues to grow.

Global production accelerated in the mid-1970’s and today is over 400 million tons annually. By 2060, plastic waste is projected to triple. Single-use plastic packaging creates more waste than any other sector of plastic production.

WHAT YOU CAN DO


FOLLOW THE 4 Rs

  • REFUSE disposable plastic whenever possible
  • REDUCE disposable plastic you use; instead find alternatives
  • REUSE durable bottles, bags, containers and other everyday items
  • RECYCLE what you can’t refuse, reduce or reuse

TAKE THE LWVCC “PASS ON PLASTICS PLEDGE"

  • Use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug
  • Use your own grocery and produce bags for shopping
  • Use ground coffee, not plastic pods
  • Use non-plastic food wrap
  • Use bar soap
  • Use cleaning products that don't come in plastic bottles
  • Say “no” to straws, cutlery and packets of condiments

Alternatives to Plastic

City of Naples Recycling Guidelines


Collier County Recycling Guidelines


CONTACT US

The LWVCC offers an extensively-researched presentation “Take a Pass on Plastics: Why we should reduce our single-use plastic waste.” Plastic is everywhere—permeating our environment, our food chains and our bodies. How did this happen, what are the implications, and what can we do? To book a speaker, get more information or learn how to get involved, contact us at plastics@lwvcolliercounty.org.

Information and How to Get Involved Contact the LWVCC Plastics Task Force at plastics@lwvcolliercounty.org .

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE

 

Additional Important Topics


Compostable Pastics and BIoplastics Are they really green?

Extended Producer Responsibility — Shifting financial responsibility of plastic waste management from governments to producers

Chemical Recycling —  Is this a good alternative to traditional recycling?


Informative Websites

 

Plastic Free July
Ocean Consdervancy
Oceana
World Wildlife Fund
Plastics Pollution Coalition
Global Commitment 2022 - Ellen MacArthur Foundation