The Plastic Problem

Join us for a community event covering the current state of the plastic crisis + how you can take action on a personal and political level!

Are you curious about the impact plastic has on our society? Do you know the damage it causes but don't know what to do about it? Whether you are just starting to learn more about the negatives of plastic or you are an expert and ready to enact local and global change, this is the event for you!

This info session and community social, which will feature a presentation from Organizing for Plastic Alternatives (OPA) and the Coalition for Plastic Reduction (CPR), is a great opportunity to learn AND act. You'll hear about why plastics are a problem, what is the current state of the plastic crisis, and why single-use plastics are especially bad for the planet. Then, we'll show you some ways to avoid plastic in your daily life AND advocate for anti-plastic legislation in your community. There will be a specific focus on the Farewell to Foam bill, which will ban styrofoam foodware in Illinois if we can get it passed this year! The event will also have a community meet and greet portion where you can check in and buy a sweet treat from Bartleby's Ice Cream, while meeting fellow eco-enthusiasts.

Chicago Environmentalists is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to change Chicago culture so environmental issues become a social and political priority. They run an online sustainability community where those who care about environmental issues can ask questions and find sustainability resources, events, news, policy updates, and more. They also host a website that serves as the "Green Pages" of Chicagoland, and advocate for environmental legislation.

Organizing for Plastic Alternatives (OPA) is a citizens’ initiative to publicize the problems associated with single-use plastics and develop policy solutions to decrease or eliminate their use. They focus their efforts primarily on the Chicago area but coordinate with organizations working at the state, national, and global level.

The Coalition for Plastic Reduction (CPR) is a membership coalition of organizations, institutions and businesses committed to the vision of an Illinois free of plastic waste. Individuals are also welcome to join.