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Working to reduce plastic use in Missouri
"The Great Rivers State"
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We can break free from plastic, Missouri!
Spring is just around the bend — and there’s a lot happening across science, policy, and community action. This issue brings you recent news headlines on plastic policies and health risks, highlights new research on microplastics and endocrine disruptors, and shares upcoming webinars, workshops, and events to keep you learning and connected. Plus: practical tips and resources to help you make the season greener.
Here's your February Plastic Awareness news!
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Input Opportunity: Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties
The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District is updating their Solid Waste Management Plan. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and share your practices, perspectives, and thoughts! Your input matters and can help shape the future of solid waste management in your community. Take the survey here!
| | | 5 Tips for Creating a Reusables Kit for Your Car | |
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Make a list. Think about what would be most useful while you’re on the go or in a pinch—utensils, straws, water bottles, travel mugs, reusable grocery bags, and food storage containers are a great place to start.
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Shop your house first. You might be surprised by what you already have on hand that can be dedicated to a car kit.
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Buy secondhand if needed. If you do need to purchase something, check local thrift stores or Buy Nothing groups on social media first.
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Pick a container. Use a basket, box, tote, or bag you already own to keep everything organized and easy to grab.
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Remember to restock. If you use something from your kit, make a habit of putting it back so it’s ready for next time.
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Axios
Illinois residents may need to find new ways to glow up as the state legislature considers banning body glitter.
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Resource Recycling Inc.
The bipartisan REUSE Act has moved a step closer to becoming law, with its recent introduction in the House of Representatives.
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Food & Wine
According to 2024 data from the National Coffee Association, daily coffee consumption in the U.S. is at an all-time high, with some 67% of people...
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Plastic Pollution Coalition
Microplastics and plastic chemicals are constantly in the news and for good reason: There’s growing evidence that plastics, plastic particles, and plastic chemicals can...
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Tudum by Netflix
Plastic products are embedded in nearly every facet of modern life, from food packaging and kitchen tools to...
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February 2026
Daily ingestion of microplastics (MPs) is a growing public-health concern, partially linked to widespread use of single use of plastic cups and containers.
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February 2026
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles emerging as significant environmental pollutants. Humans are ubiquitously exposed...
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December 2025
Narragansett Bay, RI, has experienced decades of anthropogenic impacts and as a result has been a hotspot for pollution research.
| | Upcoming Webinars and Trainings | | | | |
The Story of Stuff Project is hosting a free virtual training in March designed to turn concern about plastic pollution into real-world action. Learn more and register here!
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Sustainable Business Highlight
Since 2008, Pela has been working towards creating a waste free future by developing products made of environmentally sensible materials, including BPA and phthalate free products, from phone cases to tote bags and even slim wallets. Learn more about Pela here.
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Plastic Podcast Pick
This episode of The Circular Economy Podcast with Catherine Weetman features Upstream's Sydney Harris and Jennifer Carrigan as they discuss effective and equitable reuse systems. Listen now!
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Book of the Month
Just released earlier this week, Plastic Inc. by Beth Gardiner gives readers an up-close look at the plastic industry, from their exponential growth to their role in climate change, this book unveils it all. Check it out!
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Interested in being part of the solution to plastic pollution in Missouri? Fill out this brief interest form or scan the QR code to connect with our Plastics Team!
| | | Beyond Plastics' Ask a Scientist Tool | |
Do you ever wonder about various aspects of plastics and plastic pollution? Beyond Plastics science director, Trisha Vaidyanathan, PhD is here to shed some light on these questions in her monthly column, “Ask a Scientist.” Submit your question(s) here!
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