Pass on Plastics Is Picking up Steam
Wendy “Admin” Riedel | Published on 1/29/2025
Our Plastics Task Force (part of the LWVCC Environmental Affairs Committee) is rolling out our 2024-25 “Take a Pass on Plastics” presentation in Collier County and making an impact! At Environment Day for the Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) 2024-25 Master Class, Joanne Huskey and Laura Hansen Reynolds highlighted the issues with ever-increasing worldwide production of plastics and its environmental impact. Particularly single-use plastics packaging, which is stacking up in our landfills, incinerated at waste-to-energy plants, and recycled (less than 10%). They shined a spotlight on the impacts to our air, water, soil and human health. Introducing the 4 Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, attendees were asked to consider personal reductions in the amount of single-use plastic packaging they purchase. Alternatives to plastics packaging were introduced and “Yes I Can” cards distributed, which will guide them in those efforts. Our next audience was the Men’s Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples presented by Loralee LeBoeuf and Vicki Stoller. The “Plastics Alternatives Products” table was a big hit! Our presentation was so well received, the Men’s Council committed to “Take a Pass on Plastics” by eliminating plastics use at their meetings.