PLASTIC FREE JULY RESOURCES
On July 23, 2025 we hosted an expert panel on the topic of MICROPLASTICS AND HEALTH.
We heard from subject-matter experts about what we can do to protect ourselves, our environment, and our community. Jump to RESOURCES from the event.
🩺Dr. Thomas Kanomata:
Spoke about emerging research on the presence and potential health effects of microplastics in the human body.
💦Emily Wilson, South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL):
Explained how plastic pollution affects the Yuba River’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystem—and what local awareness can accomplish. https://yubariver.org/
🛒Sasha Scott, Sustainability Coordinator at BriarPatch:
Provided insight into the challenges of cutting plastic packaging in the food industry—and how BriarPatch is leading the way. Read more about Briar Patch's sustainability goals: https://briarpatch.coop/about-us/sustainability/
✨PLUS: Practical alternatives for everyday life:
We explored simple product swaps and tips to reduce your plastic footprint and limit your exposure to microplastics.
RESOURCES
Do you have toxic black plastic in your kitchen, like that old spatula? Swap them out! Start with a plastics audit and then switch out the plastic items with non-plastic alternatives. Link to our swaps sheet.
👚MICROPLASTICS IN CLOTHING Guide
Most clothes today are made from synthetic materials made from plastic, like polyester and nylon, which shed microfibers --tiny plastic threads released during wear, washing, drying, & disposal. Check out our MPs in Clothing guide for tips on minimizing shedding of harmful plastic microfibers from clothing.
☠️REDUCING OUR PLASTIC EXPOSURE Q&A
Excerpted from The Plastic Convenience Con: Plastic toxicity, exposure and human health - Plastic Free July by Matt Mostyn 07/08/2025. Read the Q&A
😺PLASTICS AND OUR PETS Report🐶
Pets vs. Plastics report from EarthDay.org uncovers just how deep microplastics are embedded in our pet companions’ lives. Read more.
📦PLASTICS IN PACKAGING Scorecard
The UP (Understanding Packaging) Scorecard looks at the human and environmental impacts of foodware and food packaging products. Read more.
🥛DEMYSTIFYING ‘COMPOSTABLE’ AND ‘BIODEGRADABLE’ PLASTICS
Bioplastics and other compostable plastics are rarely the great solution they might seem to be. Find out why.