Sandra Ann Harris - Say Goodbye to Plastic

N ever underestimate the power of one individual to create the change the planet needs, all while inspiring others around them to positively contribute to the plastic-free movement. Starting with one small thing, such as a commitment to bring a reusable cup, bottle or bag daily, sets in motion system shifts, behavior change and inspires others.

Saying goodbye to single-use plastic and making a commitment to think "reusable, not disposable" are the first two steps we all can take.

Sandra is one of these individuals. In her inspirational book Say Goodbye To Plastic, she tells the story of how she got started in the plastic pollution movement more than a decade ago, providing a straightforward how-to guide for plastic-free living... with good news! We can save money, reduce exposure to toxic chemicals for ourselves, our family and our schools, and communities, and all while we protect the ocean, our waterways and lakes, and air and water from plastic particulate pollution.

It is urgent that we realize how our dependence on and use of plastic pollutes us, our planet and every ecosystem on it. In particular, plastic pollutes and poisons fenceline and frontline communities, seriously impacting communities of color and indigenous communities around the world. Plastic pollutes us at every stage; starting from the extraction of this petroleum-based resource, throughout its manufacturing, during its use, and at end of its lifewhere it's rarely recycled and more often gets burned or buriedplastic pollutes us all.

In 2009, when we founded Plastic Pollution Coalition and Sandra's plastic-free company ECOlunchbox had just come to market, the world referred to this material as marine debris, litter, rubbish, waste, and garbage. But see how far we have come? If 70-90 percent of marine debris is plastic, then we call it what it is: plastic! And when it is getting into the environment and our oceans, air and drinking water... it's plastic pollution. The Plastic Pollution Coalition is made up of more than 1,200 organizations and businesses, including ECOlunchbox, from 77 countries around the world, all working to stop plastic pollution and to raise awareness about plastic's toxic impact on human health, animal health, the ocean and waterways, and the environment.

On the bright side, Sandra reminds us that the power to create change through small acts and behaviors can create a stunning ripple effect. Born on her kitchen table and grown for more than 10 years since, Sandra's company ECOlunchbox has sold hundreds of thousands of plastic-free food containers that have empowered her user community to avert tens of millions of pieces of trash every year. During this same time, by working collaboratively with allies young and old across boundaries and borders, our coalition has ushered in tremendous positive changes in behavior, extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies for businesses, and major reductions and bans on single-use plastics in policy and legislation.

Say Goodbye To Plastic shows us how to break up with plastic now... room by room, task by task. It's easy. We can do this, all of us together. Plastic pollutes. Refuse it, don't use it.

-D IANNA C OHEN ,
CEO & Co-Founder
Plastic Pollution Coalition