People Over Plastic

Our Season Finale comes to you live from NYC Climate Week. It was an unforgettable afternoon honoring and elevating the power of expression, unity, and civil disobedience in the Environmental Justice movement. This episode features powerful stories from activists and organizers who have taken bold stands against environmental injustices that threaten their communities and our shared future.    Story Salon Host: Michael McKenzie, Counterstream's Executive Director   Guests:  Thalia Cachimuell, Director of Philanthropic Networks, NDN Collective Kizzy Charles-Guzman, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Environmental Health Chris Tandanzo, Poet and Former New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance organizer   Key Topics: Does our current democracy function enough for us to protect it? Dissent is a sacred act for historically marginalized communities.  It also means “We are going to give you hell.” The importance of storytelling and reclaiming narratives to drive social and environmental change The fight to free Leonard Peltier as a story of truth and reconciliation. How environmental justice advocates are the embodiment of dreams. The power of Gen-Z. The interconnectedness of environmental justice work and the movement to end the genocide in Gaza.   Additional resources See images from the Season of Dissent Story Salon NDN's #FREELEONARDPELTIER Toolkit The urgent need for federal policy on ‘forever' chemicals, by Kizzy Charles-Guzman Revisit some of other Story Salons:Cancer Alley Rises Up: Honoring Black Women in Environmental Justice Climate Week 2023: In Houston, Texas Food Sovereignty As a Pathway to Justice Story Salon at Hip Hop For Change Want more? If you haven't already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week. Show your support and leave a 5-star review ️️️️ People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media.  Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

One of the most fundamental freedoms in American democracy is the freedom of expression and assembly. In other words: our right to protest. This freedom ensures everyone can speak out and mobilize without fear of censorship or retaliation. It allows everyday people to challenge disinformation, hold those in power accountable, and rally together for changes that protect both people and the planet. But censorship, criminalization, and complacency threaten the fight for equity and justice, at a time when direct action is more important than ever.   Guest: Candice Fortin, U.S. Campaigns Manager for 350.org, a global climate nonprofit fighting for a world beyond fossil fuels.   Key Topics: The power of protest and direct action Criminalization of environmental activists in the United States and around the world From the founding of the EJ movement in Warren County, NC  To the recent murder of Manuel “Tortuguita” Paez Terán who was killed by Georgia state troopers while protesting against Cop City Censorship of pro-Palestinian voices The need for white liberals to support historically excluded communities in the fight for democracy and justice   Additional resources: See Candice in action at the America's Energy Summit Learn more about Cop City in People over Plastic episode The Hot Seat Learn more about direct actions like the Summer of Heat here and in our latest issue of Peace & Riot.   Want more? If you haven't already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week. Show your support and leave a 5-star review ️️️️ People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media.  Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.   Disclaimer: Counterstream Media does not endorse any political candidate or party. These conversations aim to create a safe space for open dialogue.

Protections are essential for ensuring laws and policies safeguard both people and the environment. And under the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, equal protections means fair treatment under the law for everyone—regardless of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. But historically, Black,  Indigenous, and other communities of color have faced the brunt of environmental, health, and climate change impacts. Despite historic advancements in recent years, deregulation efforts threaten to make things even worse for frontline communities that are demanding democracy delivers on its promise. Guest: Abre' Conner is the Director, Environmental and Climate Justice at the NAACP where she oversees strategy and collaboration to dismantle environmental racism.   Key Topics:  The intersection of Civil Rights, Environmental Justice, and Democracy Fighting to strengthen protections that center people, not just the environment  Critical Race Theory How threats to environmental justice go beyond any one political party or presidency Potential impacts from the Supreme Court ruling on Chevron Deference Weakening of protective agencies, like the EPA, through plans like Project 2025   Additional resources James Baldwin's 1965 debate at Cambridge University  Order Toxic Wastes and Race and Toxic Waste and Race at Twenty FREE, Here. Just pay for shipping. More contextual books to consider on Critical Race Theory.   Want more? If you haven't already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week. Show your support and leave a 5-star review ️️️️ People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media.  Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Participation plays a critical role in building a thriving democracy. But participation goes far beyond voting—it's a powerful tool for reclaiming rights, restoring land, and ensuring justice for communities that have long been left out of decision-making. Which is why we're looking at participation through an Indigenous perspective. Indigenous knowledge systems can inform and inspire broader movements for justice and democratic participation.   Guest:  Dr. PennElys Droz is the Power Building and Curriculum Coordinator with NDN Collective, an Indigenous-led advocacy organization.   Key Topics:  The founding of the U.S. Democratic system, which was built on Indigenous ideas from the Haudenosaunee (The Six Nations People) How the complex relationship between indigenous communities and the U.S. Democratic system impacts participation in environmental justice and beyond Voting rights and ongoing challenges to achieving a truly representative government The LandBack movement as participatory justice Solidarity with the Palestinian liberation movement Indigenous Economies in contrast to colonial, capitalist, and extractive economies — like the petrochemical (plastic) industry.    Additional resources

Welcome back to a very special season of the People over Plastic Podcast “Democracy and Dissent” where we're exploring the intersection of Environmental Justice & Democracy. The urgency surrounding democracy is at an all-time high. But this is about more than politics, who wins the presidency, or maintaining the status quo. It's about ensuring democracy delivers on its promise—for everyone, not just those in power.   Over the next episodes we'll tackle three of the most critical aspects of democracy through the lens of environmental justice: Participation, Protections, and Protest.    Host Shilpi Chhotray will have candid conversations with Environmental Justice thought leaders who have complex and differing relationships, histories, and hopes for democracy. Tune in and listen wherever you get your podcasts — because the fight for environmental justice is also a fight for democracy itself.   If you haven't already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week.   People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media.  Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

In our season finale, we shine a spotlight on the vital leadership of Black women in the realm of environmental justice. Often, after environmental catastrophes wreak havoc on frontline communities, well-funded environmental organizations descend like Trojan horses, offering solutions that often lack community input. In some cases, these organizations and their so-called 'relief' efforts blow in and out of communities as quickly as the crises themselves.   Today, our co-hosts Shilpi Chhotray and Alexis Young explore the enduring impact of Black women leaders who have nurtured spaces of care and refuge for communities on the frontlines of the climate justice movement. Joining us are remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to urgent issues that affect their communities.   Roishetta Sibley Ozane, founder of The Vessel Project of Louisiana; Dr. Beverly Wright, founder of The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice; and Wawa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, share their journeys and insights. These visionary leaders have focused on creating sustainable, community-centered solutions that prioritize long-term well-being.   Join us for a captivating discussion as we honor the incredible contributions of Black women in environmental justice, highlighting their enduring commitment to communities that cannot escape the frontlines of the climate justice movement. You'll want to listen to the very end for a special poem by internationally-acclaimed poet and activist Sunni Patterson.   Check out our website for additional reporting on guests featured on Season Four of The People over Plastic podcast. https://peopleoverplastic.co  

On today's show, we delve into the profound role that faith plays for Black and Indigenous environmental organizers in their relentless pursuit of both climate justice and racial justice. Drawing inspiration from Matthew 17:20-21, which reminds us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, we explore how they've harnessed their faith to drive change.   Joining us are remarkable individuals whose faith has moved industrial polluters and deepened their connection with the Earth. Dr. Joy Banner, Co-Founder of the Descendants Project, and Shamyra Lavigne, from Rise St. James, share their powerful narratives of how their faith compelled them to take action against industrial polluters, ultimately reclaiming their homes.   Additionally, Frankie Orona, representing The Society of Native Nations, sheds light on the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations—the kind of wisdom that encourages a profound and healing relationship with nature. Frankie advocates for this enduring connection with the Earth, one that soothes and honors our planet.   Tune in as our co-hosts Shilpi Chhotray and Alexis Young explore the intersection of faith, environmental activism, and the transformative power of belief in the fight for justice and the Earth's well-being. Check out our website, peopleoverplastic.co, for additional reporting on Dr. Joy Banner, Shamyra Lavigne and Frankie Orona, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok.

Welcome to a special live episode of "All Eyes on the Gulf." Join us as we sit down with Dr. Denae King and Michael McKenzie, champions in the fight for climate justice. With Dr. King's expertise in environmental toxicology and McKenzie's educational and extensive research background, they take us on a personal journey from their early work to their current community-based environmental initiatives in Houston and beyond. Recorded at the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, this dynamic conversation moved our live audience, and now, it's your turn to be part of the experience. Special guest Patrice Simms, a leading environmental attorney and scholar, and co-founder of People over Plastic, adds depth to the discussion, highlighting the urgency of their mission. Opening this episode is Dr. Robert Bullard, who is known as the father of environmental justice. His speech emphasizes the historical significance of the environmental and climate  justice movement.  Join co-hosts, Alexis Young, staff reporter for People over Plastic and Ryan Jeter, HBCU Coordinator at Environmental Defense Fund guide an extraordinary conversation that uncovers the roots of resistance in this live recording.  Special thanks to the Plastic Solutions Fund for sponsoring this episode.  For more information about People over Plastic visit: www.peopleoverplastic.co and follow on Instagram and TikTok.  

In today's episode, we'll explore the growing challenge faced by climate skeptics and those profiting from the fossil fuel industry. It's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the undeniable impacts of oil and gas giants, the plastics industry, and the issue of environmental racism. In this context, we see the rise of false solutions that claim to protect our environment, but often prioritize profit over the well-being of people and the health of our planet.   Joining us today are two remarkable voices in the climate justice movement. Dr. Joy Banner, Co-Founder of the Descendants Project, and Yvette Arellano, Founder and Executive Director of Fenceline Watch, will help us dissect these false solutions that they encounter in the ongoing battle against industrial polluters.   We'll also be inspired by the stories of grassroots change-makers. Brownsville Community Activist Bekah Hinojosa will share insights into the challenges her community faces against SpaceX and LNG facilities. And Louisiana Green Corp graduate Destiny Barnes will shine a light on the positive steps being taken in her community to support clean energy and green infrastructure.   Tune in as our co-hosts Shilpi Chhotray and Alexis Young navigate the complex landscape of climate change, uncovering false solutions, and celebrating the real progress being made in communities like New Orleans, Louisiana.   For our podcast episode featuring South Baltimore organizer Shashwanda Campbell, tune in here. Don't forget to check out our website and follow us on Instagram and TikTok.

In the world of business, decisions can range from risky to downright shady. The line between the two blurs, especially in industries like oil, gas, petrochemicals, and plastic production. Land acquisition and permits for pollution resulting from the gruesome history of racial segregation and government-sponsored redlining often raise ethical questions. In this episode of 'All Eyes On The Gulf,' the first episode of season four of The People over Plastic podcast, we dive deep into these murky waters. Our environmental reporter Alexis Young, connects with courageous environmental activists across the Gulf region, from Texas to Louisiana, unveiling the shady dealings in the oil and gas industry. Prepare to hear the unfiltered truths from those on the frontlines. We're honored to feature voices like 2023 Goldman Prize Winner, Diane Wilson, who's taken on multi-billion dollar Formosa Plastic. Joining Alexis are also resilient community members, like Dr. Joy Banner, Co-Founder of the Descendants Project, Josette Cruz from Brownsville, Texas, and Shamyra Lavigne of Rise St. James, daughter of the 2022 Goldman Prize Winner, Sharon Lavigne. Tune in for a powerful conversation between co-hosts Alexis Young and Shilpi Chhotray, shedding light on the shady decisions that impact our communities. It's time to unveil the truth behind the corporate smokescreens and the legacy of environmental racism. RESOURCES: Click here to see the “Banking on Climate Chaos” graphic. And for our podcast episode featuring Bernadette Dementieff of the Gwich'in Nation, tune in here. Don't forget to check out our website for Alexis' additional reporting on Dr. Joy Banner, Josette Cruz, Shamyra Lavigne and Diane Wilson and follow us on Instagram and TikTok.

People over Plastic is thrilled to introduce our new series, 'All Eyes On The Gulf,' spotlighting voices of change and the pressing issues surrounding the US Gulf South - a major hub for plastic production and the fossil fuel industry.   In season four of The People over Plastic podcast, we celebrate our evolution into a multimedia platform and reflect on our journey with People over Plastic Co-Founder and Host, Shilpi Chhotray, alongside our newest co-host, PoP's very own staff reporter, Alexis Young.   Over the last few months, Alexis has been connecting with environmental activists across the Gulf region and documented their inspiring stories from the frontlines of environmental activism. Our incredible lineup includes 2023 Goldman Prize Winner, Diane Wilson; Co-Founder of The Descendants Project, Dr. Joy Banner; Josette Cruz, a passionate member of the Brownsville, Texas community; Roishetta Sibley Ozane, mother of six and founder of the Vessel Project, and Shamyra Lavigne, the daughter of globally-celebrated environmental justice leader, Sharon Lavigne, Founder of Rise St. James.    Stay tuned for enlightening discussions, powerful narratives, and a deeper exploration of the challenges and solutions facing our planet. Now available on all major podcast apps.    Episode 1 drops on October 11th, be sure to follow and subscribe. For more information about People over Plastic visit: www.peopleoverplastic.co and follow on Instagram and TikTok.

In our season finale, we bring your attention to the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), known to the Gwich'in Indian Nation as “The Sacred Place Where Life Begins.” Hear the personal story of Bernadette Demientieff, a Gwich'in Steering Committee leader fighting to protect her Nation's traditional lifeways. The Gwich'in Indian Nation lives in 15 small villages scattered across northeast Alaska in the US to the northern Yukon and Northwest Territories in Canada. The Arctic is their home. The coastal plain of the ANWR has been a location of intense controversy between environmentalists, Native tribes, and the oil and gas industry. The coastal plain is also the birthing and nursing grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd - the very heart of the Gwich'in people. The caribou provide food and nourishment for the Gwich'in who are deeply connected to them on a spiritual level. If oil drilling goes forward in ANWR, the birthrate of the caribou could decrease by 40% - it would be a cultural genocide for Bernadette's tribe. In 1988, the Gwich'in Steering Committee was formed in response to threats of oil development in ANWR's coastal plain. Time and time again, Bernadette has testified in front of US Congress, the United Nations, and public hearings. She has met with banks and insurance companies funding oil infrastructure, framing the drilling and desecration of sacred lands as a Human Rights issue. As the issue of oil extraction gains urgency in the US and around the world, more pressure is put on the oil-rich region of the Arctic. Key Themes explored: How does ANWR benefit or suffer from its designation as public lands? What tensions lie between extractive industries and those who call the Arctic their home? What are the intersections between climate justice and racial justice in the Gwich'ins' fight to protect their sacred lands? How does Indigenous spirituality inherently connect Native people to their land? How do Indigenous communities leverage the Rights of Nature to stop extractive practices? Resources: Take action now with the Gwich'in Nation. Learn more about the Gwich'in Nation and Bernadette in this article in Mongabay: “Our identity is non-negotiable” and film by Patagonia: The Refuge | Fighting for a Way of Life Prism articles covering Rights of Nature: Indigenous activists look to Rights of Nature laws to stop fracking and ‘Rights of Nature' laws can strengthen Indigenous sovereignty and provide a pathway to environmental justice, written by Ray Levy Uyeda Facts on oil consumption in the United States: Energy Information Administration Visit People over Plastic's website to learn more about us. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our BIPOC-produced storytelling and sustains our future. Support PoP from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

In this episode, we dive deep into the history of and activism for traditional Hawaiian farming with Josh Mori. Josh is the founder of Iwikua, an educational and cultural resource for sustainable food production, wellness, and community enhancement for West Kauaʻi. Hawaii's reliance on food imports began in the 1960s and has been further exacerbated by the locus for genetically modified (GMO) crop field trials. Kauaʻi in particular has been ground zero for GMO companies like Monsanto and BASF – serial violators of federal environmental laws. In recent years, local Hawaiians have been leading efforts based on old values and land practices to keep the islands healthy and the local population fed. The controversies over the safety of growing and eating transgenic food are top of mind for Josh. His lived experience as an indigenous farmer resisting the agribusiness industry is a testament to his ancestral roots - shaped by a deep connection to the land, sea, and soil. In this interview, he shares why teaching the next generation of local farmers how to cultivate the land to benefit West Kauaʻi goes beyond training and education – it's personal. This season, we're honored to join forces with Prism - a nonprofit newsroom led by journalists of color to go deep into the stories behind environmental racism. Our co-founder and host Shilpi Chhotray and Prism's climate justice reporter, Ray Levy Uyeda, examine how local Hawaiians are taking back food security and culture from American colonization, and the ongoing threats of climate change, militarism, and tourism. Key Themes explored: What does the growing food justice movement look like in West Kauaʻi? What are the intersectional links between the agribusiness industry and Big Plastic? How do the historical impacts of colonization and militarism affect local Hawaiian culture and food systems? Why is tourism is a major threat to the cultural and political environment? Tune in to the latest episode, Not my Mainland, to find out. This episode was generously sponsored by the Food and Farm Communications Fund. Visit People over Plastic's website to learn more about us and continue the conversation by sharing this episode on Instagram and Twitter. Resources: Prism article: Restoring Hawaiian fishponds revitalizes food systems and cultures, written by Ray Levy Uyeda Learn about Josh's organization IWIKUA and how to get involved. Read more about Josh's story in an interview for Feeding Hawai'i : Portraits of Resistance As discussed, 27% of Native Hawaiians report food insecurity and that number is likely higher. Check out Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi: A Data Brief for more information. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our BIPOC-produced storytelling and sustains our future. Support PoP from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

When it comes to the climate crisis, there is a stark divide between who is most affected due to the structural inequalities caused by the legacy of institutional racism. In “The First Responder”, we chat with David Heppard, the Executive Director of the Freedom Project Washington - a Seattle-based organization that works to dismantle the system of mass incarceration and heal its traumatic effects. Last year, the Freedom Project shifted its priorities to meet the community's immediate needs in the face of a devastating heat wave, with temperatures reaching a record of 115°F in June of 2021. A recent study in Nature found that in nearly every major city in the U.S., people of color are exposed to more extreme urban heat than white people. Seattle's neighborhoods nestled in abundant green space found reprieve from the intense heat. However, the communities of color closest to highways and industrial zones faced disproportionate health impacts and significant barriers to mental health care. David's particular experiences, as a first responder in his community, is a powerful example of community investment and transformation. The Freedom Projects' counseling services and ability to provide water, fans, and space were instrumental in offering both mental and physical support during times of intense heat. This season, we're honored to join forces with Prism - a nonprofit newsroom led by journalists of color to go deep into the stories behind environmental racism. Our co-founder and host Shilpi Chhotray and Prism's climate justice reporter, Ray Levy Uyeda, explore the historical significance of how neighborhoods have been shaped and built, to better understand the disparities that exist when it comes to extreme heat. Key Themes explored: What is the urban heat island effect and what does it have to do with systemic racism? What is the link between redlining and environmental injustice? Why do low-income BIPOC communities have more barriers to mental health care? Why does the non-profit industrial complex incentivize top-down approaches to environmental and social issues? Tune in to the latest episode, The First Responder, to find out. Visit People over Plastic's website to learn more about us and continue the conversation by sharing this episode on Instagram and Twitter. Resources: Prism article: Extreme heat increases the need for BIPOC mental health care written by Ray Levy Uyeda Support FreedomProjectWA.org and consider donating directly to their cause Disproportionate exposure to urban heat island intensity across major US cities in Nature Read more about David's story in the Seattle Met If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our BIPOC-produced storytelling and sustains our future. Support PoP from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

In episode 2: the Hot Seat, we hear from Jacqueline Echols about what's happening in Atlanta where the South River Forest - one of the four “city lungs” - is under attack. Advocates and residents are rallying against a massive police training facility set for development on nearly 85 acres of beloved green space. Dr. Echols is an environmental justice advocate for 25 years and board president of the South River Watershed Alliance, an organization working to protect the river and adjacent forest ecosystem. Her more than two decades of work to improve water quality in Atlanta's waterways and protect the city's tree canopy earned her the 2017 Environmental Hero Award. The forest in Southeast Atlanta is home to wetlands that filter rainwater, prevent flooding, and help the city stay resilient in the face of climate change. As Jacqueline impassionately shares, the proposed $90 million dollar training facility dubbed “Cop City” has sparked outrage from community members, where local officials are offering a red carpet layout under the pretext of preventing crime. The closest neighborhood to the forest is 77 percent Black and still reeling from ongoing protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Its residents will feel the immediate impacts of police presence and the loss of park space for generations to come. This season, we're honored to join forces with Prism - a nonprofit newsroom led by journalists of color to go deep into the stories behind environmental racism. Our co-founder and host Shilpi Chhotray and Prism's climate justice reporter, Ray Levy Uyeda, investigate the symbiotic relationship between a rich ecosystem and the well-being of its community, and how “Cop City” threatens these safe spaces. Key themes explored: How does Cop City impact health issues, both physical and mental, with which the majority- Black community is already disproportionately affected? Who is backing Cop City? What does organizing against Cop City look like- including demonstrations, environmental analysis, and research aimed at city officials? What is the link between environmental justice and racial justice? Tune in to the latest episode, The Hot Seat, to find out. Visit People over Plastic's website to learn more about us and continue the conversation by sharing this episode on Instagram and Twitter. RESOURCES: Prism article: ‘Atlanta community members warn of environmental damage from ‘Cop City' written by Ray Levy Uyeda Take action at SouthRiverGa.org to demand environmental justice along the river and consider making a donation. Jacqueline's story in CNN: Atlanta wants to build a massive police training facility in a forest. Neighbors are fighting to stop it If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our BIPOC-produced storytelling and sustains our future. Support PoP from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

In our season three opener, Secret Sauce, we're heading to St. James Parish, Louisiana, to chat with Sharon Lavigne and her daughter, Shamyra. Sharon is the Founder and President of the faith-based advocacy group Rise St. James and a 2021 Goldman Environmental Prize winner. Last fall, we caught up with Miss Sharon one week after Hurricane Ida blew the roof off her home as she was deep in the fight against Formosa Plastic. A year later, we are joined by her daughter Shamyra to have an intergenerational conversation about their Secret Sauce in staying resilient and grounded in the face of hurricane season, Big Plastic, and the industrial polluters of “Cancer Alley”. Shamyra, who has a background in mental health, shares the ways that youth remain engaged and proactive in their community and her vision for St. James. Since our recording, a Louisiana court judge denied the necessary air permits for a massive petrochemicals complex to be built in St. James due to the relentless organizing by environmental justice organizers on the ground, with Miss Sharon at the helm. This season, we're honored to join forces with Prism - a nonprofit newsroom led by journalists of color to go deep into the stories behind environmental racism. Our host Shilpi Chhotray and Prism's climate justice reporter Ray Levy Uyeda investigate what it's really like on the ground and how federal agencies ironically defend the industries that exploit them. Key themes explored: Who is protecting the people of Saint James and who is protecting the industry that threatens to pollute it? How did we get here and why are petrochemical industries interested in communities like St. James Parish, Louisiana? What is the future of environmental justice organizing? Tune in to the latest episode, Secret Sauce, to find out. This episode was generously sponsored by Beyond Petrochemicals, a program by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Visit People over Plastic's website to learn more about us and continue the conversation by sharing this episode on Instagram and Twitter. RESOURCES: Prism article: “Supreme Court guts EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions” written by Ray Levy Uyeda. Learn more about Sharon Lavigne, 2021's Goldman Environmental Prize Winner. Support Miss Sharon's work by visiting the Rise St James website and donating to her organization directly. People over Plastic's Season 1 episode featuring Sharon Lavigne “Louisiana judge cancels air permits for plastics plant” in Reuters If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our BIPOC-produced storytelling and sustains our future. Support PoP from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

Go deep into the personal stories of communities across the United States most impacted by climate change, plastic pollution, and society's most pressing injustices. Together with our host Shilpi Chhotray and Prism's climate justice reporter Ray Levy Uyeda, we'll learn much more about the industrial polluters and politicians that are turning cities and towns across the US into sacrifice zones – and the incredible community leaders driving transformational social change. The series will source answers to critical questions including; What are the decades-old redlining policies, failed lawsuits, and behind-closed-door corporate deals behind these stories? Who are the politicians and associations involved in the creation and endurance of sacrifice zones? In short, how did we get here? Episode 1 drops on October 13th, be sure to follow and subscribe. Resources: For more information about People over Plastic visit: www.peopleoverplastic.co and follow on Instagram and Twitter. For more information about Prism visit: www.prismreports.org and follow on Instagram and Twitter. People over Plastic creates meaningful platforms and collaborations to transform the narrative landscape around plastic pollution, climate change, and human health. We share real stories - defined and driven by communities most impacted and use culture as a lever to enact social change. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our BIPOC-produced storytelling and sustains our future. Support PoP from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

All air is not created equal - and nothing exemplifies this more than South Baltimore's Curtis Bay neighborhood. When Shashawnda Campbell was just 15 years old, she co-founded “Free Your Voice,” a student-led group that worked for 5 years to shut down the largest incinerator proposal in US history set to be built less than a mile away from their school. 80% of incinerators are located in low-income communities of color - and that fact is not a coincidence. Tune in to hear Shashawnda break down why incinerators and other pollution-heavy industrial operations don't belong in anyone's neighborhood, regardless of race and income. Don't forget to subscribe/follow People Over Plastic on all major podcast apps and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @peoplexplastic, happy listening! Resources: You can learn more about Shashawnda's fight in The Guardian, Union of Concerned Scientists blog, and Grist. Check out South Baltimore Community Land Trust to support Shashwanda's work in Curtis Bay. To get a deeper understanding of efforts to end waste incineration around the globe, check out the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives. For more information on “chemical recycling” and plastics-to-fuel technology, view the Alliance of Mission-Based Recyclers' overview of burning plastics as false solutions. Keep the conversation going by sharing this episode on Social Media and following us on Instagram and Twitter. And that's a wrap for season 2 of People Over Plastic's podcast series! Over 1000 listeners and still counting have placed their trust in People over Plastic's fearless coverage since we launched in October 2021. Unlike other podcasts, we have no shareholders and no billionaire owner. Just the determination and passion for changing the narrative--to tell a true story, produced by BIPOC storytellers that will build power against corporations and governments invested in plastic production. But projects like ours are often under-resourced and underestimated by many institutional funders. That's why we depend on supporters like YOU. However big or small, every contribution powers our BIPOC storytelling and sustains our future. Support People over Plastic from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW

In this week's episode, ‘Ropa Americana', we're tackling fast fashion on the move. Chile's Atacama desert has become a fashion graveyard for the world's unwanted clothes. Every year, nearly 59,000 tons of clothing arrive in Chile's Iquique port from Europe, Asia, and the United States. Some of it is redistributed and sold throughout Chile, but the vast majority remains in Atacama. Santiago-based circular economy expert Marcela Godoy shares the hard truth behind the underbelly of fast fashion and how plastic clothing is destroying the driest desert in the world. Resources: You can learn more about what's happening in Atacama on Al Jazeera, BBC News, and EcoWatch. To follow Marcela's work, check out ADC Circular and StgSlow. The apparel industry is the second-largest polluter in the world (second only to oil) and contributes 10% of global carbon emissions. For a deeper understanding of the fast fashion industry, plastic pollution, and its impact on the planet, visit Changing Markets Foundation Fossil Fashion Series and Eureka Recycling's Best Practices for Textile Collection. As Marcela mentioned on the show, an organization called Desierto Vestido (Desert Dress) conducted an assessment of the brands found in Atacama - including H&M, Old Navy, and Adidas. You can watch the action on Instagram. Over 1,000 listeners and still counting have placed their trust in People over Plastic's fearless coverage since we launched in October 2021. Unlike other podcasts, we have no shareholders and no billionaire owner. Just the determination and passion for changing the narrative--to tell a true story, produced by BIPOC storytellers that will build power against corporations and governments invested in plastic production. But projects like ours are often under-resourced and underestimated by many institutional funders. That's why we depend on supporters like YOU. However big or small, every contribution powers our BIPOC storytelling and sustains our future. Support People over Plastic from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

Piling up. Illegal dumping is skyrocketing in urban areas across the U.S. inflicting grave economic and environmental injustices on the cities' most vulnerable populations. In this episode, you'll meet Ken Houston, a passionate third-generation resident of Oakland, California with 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Ken's lifelong commitment is to restore the quality of life for impacted communities, and in the process, provide jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Tune in to hear Ken's story which takes us into the heart of Oakland and opens our eyes to the harms of illegal dumping on low-income communities of color and the unhoused. Don't forget to subscribe/follow People Over Plastic on all major podcast apps and follow us on Instagram and Twitter, @peoplexplastic. Show notes: To learn more about Ken's work, check out the Beautification Council. Ken's fight against illegal dumping has been featured on ABC 7, CBS News, and KTVU. Race and income are the greatest determinants as to whether you will live near plastic production and waste disposal facilities. These facilities are almost always near low-income households, unhoused populations, and black, Latino, and indigenous neighborhoods. The truth is, there is no safe place to produce toxic plastics or dispose of our waste. This is why community recycling advocates are working to eliminate the production of unnecessary and toxic plastics and hold producers responsible to recover their products for recycling. More resources: The politics of Illegal Dumping: An Environmental Justice Framework and Toxic Waste and Race in 21st Century America. Over 1000 listeners have placed their trust in People over Plastic's fearless coverage since we launched in October 2021. Unlike other podcasts, we have no shareholders and no billionaire owner. Just the determination and passion for changing the narrative--to tell a true story, produced by BIPOC storytellers that will build power against corporations and governments invested in plastic production. But projects like ours are often under-resourced and underestimated by many institutional funders. That's why we depend on supporters like YOU. However big or small, every contribution powers our BIPOC storytelling and sustains our future. Support People over Plastic from as little as $1 - it only takes a minute. DONATE NOW

When you think about your country's top exports, do you think of garbage? In “How the hell did it get HERE?”, get to know the touching personal story of a Filipino customs official who has dedicated his 30-year career to ensure foreign trash is not illegally smuggled into his country. John Simon went from being an everyday customs collector to capturing the attention of international headlines for stopping the biggest waste shipment - containing 8,000 tons of garbage - from being dumped in the Philippines. Tune in to hear John Simon's story of courage and the corrupt business of waste. Don't forget to subscribe/follow to People Over Plastic on all major podcast apps and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @peoplexplastic, happy listening! Resources: You can find more news about John Simon's story in the Inquirer, Rappler, ABS CBN News, and GMA news online. John Simon received the prestigious United Nations Environment Program Award as one of 8 winners on the frontlines of protecting our planet. To learn more about the inner workings of the waste trade and its impact on import countries, check out: The Plastic Waste Trade Manifesto by Break Free From Plastic, DISCARDED - communities on the frontlines of the global plastic crisis by GAIA, and Plastic for Profit [Tracing illicit plastic waste flows, supply chains, and actors] by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Over 1000 listeners and still counting have placed their trust in People over Plastic's fearless coverage since we launched in October 2021. Unlike other podcasts, we have no shareholders and no billionaire owner. Just the determination and passion for changing the narrative--to tell a true story, produced by BIPOC storytellers that will build power against corporations and governments invested in plastic production. But projects like ours are often under-resourced and underestimated by many institutional funders. That's why we depend on supporters like YOU. However big or small, every contribution powers our BIPOC storytelling and sustains our future. Support People over Plastic from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

We're back with Season 2 of our podcast series! First up, our host Shilpi Chhotray meets with Pierre Simmons, An NYC-based musician and canner - who shares his personal story about becoming a canner and how it's possible to make a living from the empty glass, plastic bottles, and cans lying on the street. Pierre goes deep into his journey and expertise as a canner to understand how this essential work, primarily done by people of color, especially from the immigrant community, shapes the way waste moves around the city. You'll also learn about ‘Sure We Can', a non-profit recycling center that supports the lives of hundreds of canners in a challenging local political environment. Tune in to learn more about Pierre and how some New Yorkers are paying rent with canning. Don't forget to subscribe to People Over Plastic on all major podcast apps and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @peoplexplastic, happy listening! Resources: Pierre trades his glass, bottles, and cans for cash at Sure We Can. For several years, SWC's landlord has threatened them with eviction. SUPPORT the canning community to save the beloved community center. You can also find out more about their work through media coverage by The New York Times, CNN, and NBC. To learn more about Pierre's life watch the Story of Stuff documentary Glass, Metal, Plastic: The Story of New York's Canners. You can read the stories of other canners and have a visual experience of their journeys at NYC Canners. As Pierre mentioned, the Bottle Bill needs updating, including the proposed increase from 5c-10c. Learn more about a reimagined bottle bill here: Reimagining The Bottle Bill. Check out Alliance of Mission-Based Recyclers for more on community-based non-profit recycling in the US. Over 1000 listeners and still counting have placed their trust in People over Plastic's fearless coverage since we launched in October 2021. Unlike other podcasts, we have no shareholders and no billionaire owner. Just the determination and passion for changing the narrative--to tell a true story, produced by BIPOC storytellers that will build power against corporations and governments invested in plastic production. But projects like ours are often under-resourced and underestimated by many institutional funders. That's why we depend on supporters like YOU. However big or small, every contribution powers our BIPOC storytelling and sustains our future. Support People over Plastic from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. Thank you. DONATE NOW.

Welcome back to Season 2 of People Over Plastic. We invite you on a journey to hear how waste moves throughout our world, across oceans and continents, through organized crime and black markets. Join our host, Shilpi Chhotray, as she meets with courageous individuals around the globe to learn what's really happening when it comes to the business of waste. People Over Plastic presents "Waste Mafia".

Welcome back for our season 1 finale, ‘Still in My Backyard' As we've underlined throughout season 1, the exclusion of BIPOC voices in mainstream narratives on both the climate and plastic pollution crisis has majorly hindered efforts to build a more just and equitable world. For many of us, when it comes to multi-layered issues linked to environmental racism, it's difficult to grasp what this actually means in the day-to-day. For instance, imagine learning that petrochemical pollution is hindering your ability to start a family. Imagine if your city was used as a literal dumping ground for foreign trash. Imagine living with the daily anxiety of watching your kids grow up near a river you loved as a child, one that's now choked with plastic pollution. In ‘Still in My Backyard', our host Shilpi Chhotray gets personal with three incredible leaders from different parts of the world who spend a lot of time on the intersections of plastic, climate, health, and environmental justice. Our guests include: Von Hernandez, the Global Coordinator for the Break Free From Plastic movement based in Manila, Philippines. A Goldman Environmental Prize awardee, Von is one of Asia's leading environmental activists and made history in 1999 when he helped make the Philippines the first country to ban waste incineration. You'll also hear from Yvette Arellano from Houston, Texas. Yvette is a foremost environmental justice campaigner addressing the impacts of petrochemical production. After decades of working with communities on-the-ground, they recently founded Fenceline Watch which is dedicated to ending the multigenerational harm of communities living on the fenceline of industry. And last but not least, Tiza Mafira from Jakarta, Indonesia. An environmental lawyer by profession, Tiza works to mobilize governments and industries to ban the plastic bag throughout Indonesian supermarkets. Her organization Plastic Bag Diet Movement (IDDKP), is pushing for a nationwide ban on plastic bags. Von, Yvette, and Tiza are featured in the Emmy-award winning documentary: The Story Of Plastic. Don't forget to subscribe to People Over Plastic available on Apple and Spotify! Stay tuned to our season 2 drop. Follow People Over Plastic on social media at @peopleXplastic on Instagram & Twitter. Resources: Story of Plastic - link to watch the full documentary Tiza in New Security Beat: Aiming for A World Where Everything Is Circular: Q&A with Indonesia Plastic Bag Diet Cofounder Tiza Mafira Yvette in the New York Times: In the Shadows of America's Smokestacks, Virus is One More Deadly Risk Von in South China Morning Post: False promise of disposable plastic recycling obscures firms role in global waste crisis About Break Free From Plastic movement: website About Fenceline Watch: website About IDDKP: website

People and the planet are not two different operating systems and no one understands this better than indigenous communities. In this episode, we will dig deeper into the role of Indigenous culture and traditions and how pivotal it is to acknowledge their leadership in the fight for justice and against climate change. Meet Frankie Orona, Indigenous leader and Executive Director of Society of Native Nations, an organization founded by a small group of Native people in Texas. In our conversation with Frankie, he emphasizes the need to end bank financing of extreme fossil fuels as a way to call out the systems that keep communities of color in cycles of harm. Similarly, you'll hear from Shilo Shiv Suleman, a Bangalore-based Indian animator, illustrator, and visual artist. Shilo's craft which focuses on the intersection of magical realism, art for social change and technology led her to founding the Fearless Collective - a movement of participative storytelling. During the recently held Unilever-sponsored COP 26 in Glasgow, Shilo's mural “At the Root” gave deep homage to indigenous elders who continue to be sidelined to the point of erasure. Frankie and Shilo's stories signal the call to reprogram our roots as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Don't forget to subscribe to People Over Plastic available on Apple and Spotify! Follow People Over Plastic on social media at @peopleXplastic on Instagram & Twitter. Resources: Ending bank financing of extreme fossil fuels: Press Release quoting Frankie Shilo's 2018 TED Talk: A woman's journey to fearlessness At the Root at COP 26: in the Glasgow Times Shilo's wearable brass temple: Sotheyby's Society of Native Nations: website Fearless Collective: website

To truly understand environmental justice, we need to better understand its relationship to social justice and racial justice. As we learned in episode two of our show, decisions are being made about people of color and indigenous communities, with very little understanding about their lived experiences. Challenges with racism, socio-economic struggles and geopolitical realities are at the crux of environmental justice. On “Bag Bans and Border Wall”, we're going to dissect the concept with two incredible women in very different parts of the world who are fighting the plastics industry head on. First we'll meet fierce river protector Tricia Cortez, Executive Director of the Rio Grande International Study Center. In addition to leading a decade-long fight against plastic bags in Laredo, Texas, Tricia fought and won a groundbreaking battle against the Trump administration on plans to build a 30-ft steel wall through her hometown. You'll also hear from the 2021 Goldman Prize Awardee, Gloria Majiga-Komoto. Speaking to us from her home in Malawi, Gloria shares her story of a 4-year battle against the plastic industry in support of a national ban on thin plastics. Her passion and dedication to her community is evident, as she shares her struggle against political corruption, sexism, and industry intimidation. Tricia and Gloria's courage, organizing power and relentless will to protect their community demonstrates how important it is to define leadership by those who stand the most to lose. Don't forget to subscribe to People Over Plastic available on Apple and Spotify! Follow People Over Plastic on social media at @peopleXplastic on Instagram & Twitter. Resources: It's Over! The Border Wall in Laredo is Officially Dead: EarthJustice Press Release Fund Our Future campaign 2021 Goldman Environmental Prize winner for Africa: Gloria Majiga-Kamoto Gloria in NPR

When considering solutions to the plastic pollution crisis, you've probably seen the famous zero-wasters on social media proudly flexing their latest plastic-free purchases. With cult-like followings, they often share tips and tricks with fancy products for greener living. The fact is, zero-waste is not a new concept and has deep roots in ancestral practices in communities of color. It did not start on Instagram by the millennial elite. In this episode, hear from two innovative entrepreneurs who are decolonizing mainstream thinking about zero-waste. As their stories demonstrate, zero-waste actually started thousands of years ago in communities with origins in taking care of the earth and understanding that reciprocity. Meet Zuleyka Strasner, founder and CEO of Zero Grocery - a platform that offers next-day delivery on 2,000+ plastic-free goods for everyday people. You'll also meet Ritesh Andre whose great grandfather founded Mumbai's famous Dabbawalas network. This robust 130-year old system delivers plastic-free meals on bicycles without any technology. Hear how Zuleyka and Ritesh are scaling their innovative models while adjusting to current socio-economic realities and social norms. Don't forget to subscribe to People Over Plastic available on Apple and Spotify! Follow People Over Plastic on social media at @peopleXplastic on Instagram & Twitter. Resources: Zero Grocery https://zerogrocery.com/ Zuleyka's feature in INC magazine Delivering Lunch in Mumbai in the New York Times Harvard Business Review's take on Mumbai's Dabbawalas

When we think about solving the plastic pollution crisis, we often think about beach cleanups and recycling - and for those of us that come from more privileged backgrounds, we strive to fit all our plastic waste for the year into a mason jar. The overarching thread here is problematic for two major reasons: we are marketed to believe plastic pollution is OUR fault as consumers, and that everyday people must clean up the mess we've gotten ourselves into. The culture of convenience may be at the root cause of the plastic pollution crisis, but who is behind creating and marketing a society hooked on plastic? In the second episode of People Over Plastic, we zoomed into some core elements of environmental justice - like what it is and why it matters. Hear from Patrice Simms, an environmental attorney at EarthJustice who explains why it's critical to change the way decisions are made about individuals who are most impacted by them, especially Black communities who fall prey to industrial polluters. You'll also hear from Filipino activist Froilan Grate of GAIA Asia Pacific who has a lot of experience exposing the failures behind the global recycling system and corporations' double standards. Like Patrice, Froi raises the crucial perspective that people of color can create the space and seize the power that allows their voices to be heard. Don't forget to subscribe to People Over Plastic available on Spotify, iTunes, Anchor! Follow People Over Plastic on social media at @peopleXplastic on Instagram & Twitter. Resources: From EarthJustice: How Big Oil is Using Toxic Chemicals as a Lifeline – and How We Can Stop It Break Free From Plastic's Brand Audit 2021 Report GAIA's report on Discarded: Communities on the Frontlines of the Global Plastic Crisis

It's 2021: We've seen the videos, the nightly news clips, and the headlines that plastic pollution is a major threat to our planet. We unequivocally understand that we are drowning in a man-made material that pollutes our air, water, soil, and wildlife. But did you know that making plastic - cups, straws, bags, cutlery, styrofoam, pouches, polyester sweaters and yoga pants... is directly linked to the climate crisis and locks in cycles of harm to communities of color around the globe? 99% of plastic comes from fossil fuels and plastic production is a major driver of keeping the fossil fuel industry afloat. In order to tackle both the plastic pollution and the climate crisis, we must hold the fossil fuel industry to account. In our inaugural episode, you'll hear how fantasy-like art is transforming the cultural landscape of how we quite literally view plastic pollution. Artivist Von Wong's latest project is a 30-foot levitating tap to remind governments and corporations that the plastic crisis needs to be front and center in decision-making. You'll also hear from Sharon Lavigne, a retired special ed teacher who recently halted Formosa Plastics from coming into her hometown. If built, the industrial complex would triple the levels of carcinogens in her community. Sharon lives in the heart of Louisiana's Cancer Alley, a region of the US which is already blighted by racism and exorbitant cancer rates from industry polluters. Follow People Over Plastic on social media at @peopleXplastic on Instagram & Twitter. Resources: Von Wong's Turn Off The Plastic Tap Sharon Lavigne, a 2021 recipient of the Goldman Prize Take action against Formosa Plastic A deep dive on Fossil Fuels + Plastics

Are you ready to come on a journey with the most powerful BIPOC voices fighting towards an anti-racist and plastic-free future? Join our host, Shilpi Chhotray, as we delve into real conversations when it comes to justice and sustainability and who gets a seat at the table. This is People Over Plastic.