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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!
As we near the end of summer, it's a great time to get involved with plastic
reduction advocacy, education, and action! This month's plastic newsletter
offers several upcoming events in September and October, news from
around the country, riveting new reports exposing the problems with plastic, a Springfield business spotlight, TWO in-depth plastic pollution courses, and more.
Here's your August Plastic Awareness news!
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October 20: Washington & Union Regional Advocate Network Luncheon
If you're in Washington, Union, or the surrounding areas, please join us for a luncheon to discuss next steps for local action in the region!
Location: Washington Coffee Shop, 2 East 5th Street, Washington, MO 63090
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
RSVP here!
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Beyond Plastics is organizing a Starbucks Week of Action the week of September 28 to call out the company's massive plastic use - 8 million cups a day, or 5,000 a minute. Starbucks claims their plastic cups are "widely recyclable" - but the evidence indicates that they are going to landfills and incinerators. Learn more and access the report here.
Avenues for Action:
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Sign the petition asking Starbucks to stop deceiving their customers about their cups recyclability and train employees to follow Starbucks' “A Better Cup for All”¹ policy for reusables.
- Host a demonstration at your local Starbucks. Learn more here.
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Kera News
A new study by Dallas-based researchers finds that nearly all of the region’s waterways are polluted with microplastics.
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Common Dreams
As new parents, we cherish the fleeting firsts: the first laugh, the first unsteady steps, and...
*See "Tiny Plastics, Big Problem: The Hidden Risks of Plastic Pouches for Baby Food" in Recent Research below*
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SDPB
A team of scientists from Dakota State University is surveying and identifying microplastics in South Dakota’s rivers, lakes and streams.
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Sports Business Journal
Summer sports season is at its peak and fans are buzzing and filling stadiums for high-stakes games and matches to...
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Chicago Tribune
More than 40 million people in the United States and Canada depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water. Each glass of treated lake water is laden with...
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The Rocky Mountain Collegian
Through the efforts of sustainability organizations and local city government officials, Fort Collins has officially completed its first Plastic Free July...
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August 2026
As public awareness of the plastic pollution crisis increases, the Plastic Industry is devising strategies to endure and stay profitable...
*Register here for an informational webinar on September 2nd about this report.*
| | | Upcoming Webinars and Trainings | | |
Missouri Business Spotlight
Springfield's Soap Refill Station offers household and personal care products available for bulk refill in a reusable container.
Check them out at 1912 E. Sunshine Street, Springfield, or learn more at https://www.getmosoap.com/
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Plastic Podcast Pick
This episode of the Indisposible Podcast explores the implications of FIFA's choice to not implement reuse and how several host cities came up with their own reuse initiatives at Fan Fests and watch parties, planting seeds that will have lasting impact in their communities.
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Featured Video
Can recycling solve the world's trash problem? PBS Horizons explores this question with Judith Enck, Beyond Plastics President, and Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli, CEO of WATS. Give it a watch.
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Sign Our Petitions!
Ask Dollar General and Walmart to offer paper drinking cups!
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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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