Working to reduce plastic use in Missouri

"The Great Rivers State"

We can break free from plastic, Missouri!

Our Show-Me Less Plastic team packed August - and this newsletter - with action! From event recaps and ways to get involved, to tips for a plastic-free Labor Day and the latest news and research, this month's newsletter is full of updates and inspiration. Don’t miss our special features, too!

Here's your August Plastic Awareness news!

Featured Events

A Few Days in Southwest Missouri

August 21 - the team hosted a Show-Me Less Plastic: Regional Roundtable at the Neosho Newton County Library! We engaged regional decision makers in collaborative conversations about community-specific solutions for addressing plastic use and waste.

August 23 - we hosted a Community Advocacy Workshop in Springfield at The Library Station! Residents from Springfield, Nixa, and Chestnutridge gathered to learn about community-level action against plastic pollution.

Opportunities for Engagement



September 22 - Join us for the next bi-monthly Show-Me Less Plastic Advocates meeting! Tune in to engage with other advocates from around the state and learn about ongoing collective efforts. Register here!

November 1 - Register today for the LAST Community Advocacy Workshop of 2025! This workshop will be hosted at Earth's Classroom from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM.

5 Tips for a Plastic-Free Labor Day Celebration

1. Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils instead if disposable plastic ones. 
2. Ditch bottled beverages and use large beverage dispensers for water, lemonade, and iced tea. Bonus points for encouraging people to bring their own reusable cups!
3. Buy your meat, veggies, or buns from your local butcher, produce stand, or bakery to avoid plastic packaging.
4. Offer regular condiment bottles instead of single-use packets.
5. Use reusable banners, tablecloths, and string lights instead of balloons and plastic streamers.

Plastics in the News

Recent Research

Upcoming Webinars and Trainings

September 4 at 6:00 PM - They Poisoned the World, with author Mariah Blake hosted by Beyond Plastics Virtual Group

September 10 at 6:30 PM - Zero Waste Task Force Monthly Meeting hosted by Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions

September 11 at 11:00 AM - The Role of Science for an Effective Treaty: How the honest brokers will overcome the merchants of doubt hosted by 5 Gyres

September 17 at 1:00 PM - Reducing Waste, Rethinking Care: An Approach to Sustainability in the OR hosted by St. Luke's Health System

September 22 at 7:00 AM - The 2025 Plastics, Human Health, and Solutions Symposium hosted by NYU Langone Health Center for Investigation of Environmental Hazards

September 23 at 1:00 PM - Defend Our Health: Authors & Friends hosted by Defend Our Health

August Spotlights

Sustainable Brand Highlight

Sustainable self-care that's easy and indulgent? Say hello to Sunniemade. Shower yourself in plants – not plastic – with these eco-upgrades.

Plastic Podcast Pick

This episode of Health, Happiness, Planet - Debunking the Plastic Recycling Myth with Susan Keefe - dives into Susan’s recycling investigation, why corporate accountability is important, and how you can be part of the solution.

Book of the Month

The Problem with Plastic, authored by Judith Enck and Beyond Plastics with Adam Mahoney, is a powerful investigation into plastic's impact on human health, and the environment, and how we can fight back. Coming soon to a bookstore near you on December 2!

In Case You Missed It

June 3 - BYO US Reduces Meeting featuring Urban Ore's Mary Lous Van Deventer and Dan Knapp hosted by BYO US Reduces

July 17 - Meeting on Activities in the Margins of Plastics Treaty INC-5.2 hosted by Geneva Environment Network

July 23 - Littered with evidence: Proof that deposit return systems work hosted by Reloop

July 23 - State Policy Showcase: Aquatic Litter & Extended Producer Responsibility hosted by River Network

July 30 - Solutions Series: How Waterless Products Make Plastic-Free Packaging Possible hosted by Plastic Pollution Coalition

July 31 - Excellent Alternatives to Plastic Packaging hosted by Beyond Plastics

August 21 - Closing the loop: What is the role of food retailers in enabling packaging sustainability at scale? hosted by Innovation Forum

Connect with Our Team!

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!

Check out our plastics website at: https://www.streamteamsunited.org/show-me-less-plastic.html

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