Category: Politics

A Comprehensive Article from Greenpeace: “Plastic Merchants of Myth: Circular Claims Fall Flat”.*

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Health, Plastics, Politics, Uncategorized

*PUBLISHED by Greenpeace U.S. DECEMBER 2025 GREENPEACE INC. 1300 Eye Street, NW Suite 1100 East Washington, D.C. 20005 – http://www.GREENPEACE.ORG

This is an incredible article. It is illuminating and packed with charts, summaries, and tables. Here’s the table of contents:

Executive Summary Circular Claims Proven False (2025 Update) Introduction: Unmasking the Merchants of Myth
1 Timeline of Deceit
2 Circles of influence
5 1. Mapping the Merchants of Myth: Members, Messages, Tactics
7 1.1.2 Petrochemical Industry 7 Propaganda techniques used by Petrochemical Industry trade associations
9 1.1.3 Consumer Products Industry
11 1.1.4 Organizations funded by the Plastics and Products Industries
12 1.2 Merchants of Myth: Main Deceptive Messages
14 1.3 Merchants of Myth: Primary Propaganda Tactics
16 1.4 Merchants of Myth: Circular Blame Game for Causes of Plastic Recycling Failure
21 2. U.S. and California Legal Requirements for Claiming Plastics Are Recyclable
23 2.1 U.S. FTC Green Guides Requirements
24 2.2 California Legal Requirements
25 how2recycle labels prohibited under the Truth in labeling Law
26 3. U.S. National Post-Consumer Rigid Plastic Waste and Recycling Assessment
29 3.1 Summary of Results
31 3.2 2025 U.S. Plastic Waste Generation by Type
32 3.3 U.S. Population Access to Curbside Recycling (Factor 1)
33 3.4 Percentage of U.S. MRFs That Accept a Specific Item (Factor 2)
33 3.5 Existing U.S. Recycling/Reprocessing Capacity (Factor 3): Assessment of U.S. Post-Consumer Rigid Plastic Waste Recycling/Reprocessing Facilities
35 3.5.1 Assessment Scope
35 3.5.2 Assessment Results
36 4. 2025 California Post-Consumer Rigid Plastic Waste and Recycling Assessment
41 4.1 2025 California Plastic Waste Generation by Type
43 4.2 Acceptance of Items in California Curbside Recycling Bins (Criterion 1)
44 4.3 Sortation of Items into Defined Streams in California MRFs (Criterion 2)
44 4.4 Recycling/Reprocessing Capacity for California’s Post-Consumer Plastic Waste (Criterion 3)
45 4.5 Contamination Levels in Plastic Waste Bales Produced by California
46 MRFS and Compliance with Basel Convention (Criterion 4)
5. Conclusion: what we are calling for
48 Appendix A: U.S. EPA 2018 Sustainable Materials Management Report – Table 8 for Plastics
50 Appendix B. 2025 Survey of U.S. Materials Recovery Facilities for Plastic Waste Item Acceptance in Curbside Recycling Bins: Survey Methodology and Public Transparency
52 appendix C: Survey of u.s. post-consumer rigid plastic waste recycling/ reprocessing facilities
53 Appendix D: Survey of U.S. Post-Consumer Rigid Plastic Waste Recycling/ Reprocessing Facilities
55 Appendix E: Master Survey of All U.S. Plastic Waste Recycling/Reprocessing Facilities
55 REFERENCES
62 endnotes

An update from the program “Only One” forwarded from my friend Dennis Ledden

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Health, Inspiration, Plastics, Politics, Uncategorized
In what could be the final round of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty, governments might as well be wrapping things up in plastic.
A strong outcome could make this a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rein in plastic pollution and deliver binding rules to hold polluters accountable.
But all seems status quo out in Switzerland where the UN meetings are taking place, and without strong leadership and commitments, the Treaty could end up toothless — full of promises but short on impact.
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in Geneva:♳ What’s at stake
This round of UN negotiations will determine whether the Treaty:Caps virgin plastic production, or lets it keep rising uncheckedBans harmful additives and single-use plastics, or merely encourages voluntary changeIncludes strong enforcement and global funding, or leaves countries on their ownThat’s why we’re calling for a treaty that is legally binding, ambitious, and fair — one that puts people and planet over profit.
 Headlines you should seeTotal infiltration: how plastics industry swamped vital global treaty talksLobbyists from the plastics and fossil fuel industries have flooded past meetings, threatening to derail meaningful progress.
World in $1.5tn ‘plastics crisis’ hitting health from infancy to old age, report warns
Plastic pollution is fueling a global health emergency and costing the world economy over $1.5 trillion each year — driven by a 200‑fold surge in production since 1950, with amounts projected to nearly triple by 2060. 
Plastic-clogged ‘Thinker’ sculpture highlights pollution crisis as UN treaty talks beginA towering “Thinker” sculpture outside the UN was buried in plastic waste to spotlight the growing threat plastic poses to human health and future generations as treaty talks began.
 Add your name
The future is as yet unwritten. With public pressure, we can still shape a treaty that curbs plastic production and delivers justice for communities impacted by pollution.
Share the petition today and stand with us in calling for a strong Global Plastics Treaty.
For a cleaner, healthier planet,The Only One Team


We have only one planet and only one ocean, and there is only one way to do this: Together.
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Keep the Faith, Hope, and Embrace Non-Violent Action!!!

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Forestry, Health, Inspiration, Plastics, Politics, Uncategorized

These are indeed dark and deeply disturbing days we’re having to witness. Faith and hope are always welcome allies, but we’ll also need non-violent action in the days to come to stem the tide of brutality and injustice that’s being foisted upon the people by the current administration.  There isn’t room here to iterate the wrongs being committed.

FWIW (For What It’s Worth) I have found a great source of comfort in reading the many wonderful articles to be found in Substack.com. It’s more than people ranting and raving about what we’re up against. There are also writings that bring comfort, inspiration, and perspective. One among many is Dino Alonso. This website/application is a truly excellent model – it doesn’t cost a dime to subscribe. If/when you find an author, or you yourself wish to contribute as one, you will find a host that is more interested in disseminating ideas than making money. Blessings on you and yours!

A bit of good news for a change:

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Forestry, Good News, Health, Plastics, Politics, Uncategorized

With all of the environmental setbacks we’ve been experiencing of late, there’s some heartening news from the United Nations. At the very least, it’s a step in the right direction. U.N.’s top court says failing to address climate change could violate international law:
https://www.nbcnews.com/science/climate-change/un-top-court-icj-climate-change-international-law-reparations-rcna220528

Indivisible And Partners Announce ‘NO KINGS’ Nationwide Day of Defiance on Flag Day, During Trump’s Birthday Parade

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Forestry, Health, Plastics, Politics, Uncategorized

That’s Saturday June 14th. Check your local Indivisible chapter for exact time, but they’re usually at Noon. This administration is actually openly proposing doing away with Habeas Corpus, better known as “Innocent until proven guilty”, a cornerstone of this democracy. This is in addition to doing away with “Due Process” and the constitution. Who’s next? Silence is NOT an option!

Join a Nationwide Protest on April 5th

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Forestry, Health, Politics, Uncategorized

Until this evening, I was unfamiliar with the website wardrobeoxygen.com, but they’ve done a splendid job of laying out the various groups that are organizing and why they’re doing so. We’re at a pivotal time in our nation’s history and this is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Please check out this website if you care about what’s going on in the United States today and want to understand the scope of this event: https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/details-on-the-april-5th-national-day-of-protest/ .

The Future of our National Forests is at Risk!

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Forestry, Politics, Uncategorized

Passing along an alarming deadline that is rapidly approaching. Please read and understand why we need to contact our Senators about the “Fix Our Forests Act” that has already passed the House:

Date:Tue, 4 Feb 2025 12:23:16 -0500 (EST)
From:Adam Rissien <action@wildearthguardians.org>


Dear Guardian,
On January 23, Arkansas Representative Bruce Westerman introduced the “Fix Our Forests Act” (H.R. 471), which passed the House on a bipartisan vote, 279 – 141 (see how House members voted here). 
The Senate is now bypassing its normal rules to schedule a vote this very week or next, or it may move its own version. Many Democratic Senators are considering supporting the bill. 
The Fix Our Forests Act does little to reduce wildfire risk, which it is purported to address. Instead, the legislation is a green light to bypass critical environmental laws, restrict scientific input, and limit public engagement in how our forests are managed. The bill, if passed, would have devastating consequences for the environment and endangered species.
Take Action – Call Your Senator Today! 
Phone number: (202) 224-3121
A U.S. Capitol Switchboard operator can connect you directly with your Senate office. Not sure who to ask for?
Click here to find your Senator.



Sample Phone Script or Voicemail:
Hi, I’m [Name] and I live in [Town]. I’m reaching out about the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the House and is expected to be introduced in the Senate. 
Sen. _____________ should vote no on the Fix Our Forests Act. I oppose this bill because (pick any/all talking points)This legislation will open millions of acres of federal land to logging without scientific review or community input. It prohibits the courts from weighing in by limiting judicial review. This bill allows for cutting of large old trees that store massive amounts of carbon and are key for mitigating against climate change. The bill guts key pieces of the Endangered Species Act and weakens the National Environmental Policy Act. The bill does little to invest in proven wildfire mitigation measures such as defensible space, emergency planning, and home hardening. Instead it focuses on opening up federal lands to logging interests. The bill would allow harmful road construction, creating highroad densities. Roads increase the risk of human-caused fires, fragment forest habitat, and are sources of chronic sediment that harm water quality in rivers and streams. Thank you, guardian, for taking action to protect climate-critical forests.

For the Wild,

Adam Rissien
ReWilding Manager

PROPUBLICA poses a question for us: ‘When Is “Recyclable” Not Really Recyclable? When the Plastics Industry Gets to Define What the Word Means.’

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Health, Plastics, Politics

Here’s a link to a fairly long but outstanding article that describes the realities of recycling and the intricacies of the PR work done by purveyors of plastics: https://www.propublica.org/article/plastics-industry-redefine-recyclable-ftc-grocery-bags?

Something to remember: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “The 1.5 C limit is only posible if we ultimately stop buring Fossil Fuels. NOT reduce. NOT abate. Phase OUT – with a clear timeframe aligned with 1.5 C.”
Emphasis added