SUMMER 2023 ISSUE Focus on Health and Environment MISSION Our food, water, and climate are under constant assault by corporations who put profit over the survival of humanity. They have seized control of the very institutions that were built to protect us. We mobilize people to reclaim their political power, hold our elected officials accountable, and resist corporate control — ensuring we all have the essential resources we need to thrive. This is a fight we must win because this planet is the only one we get.
Thank You For Fighting Like You Live Here!
HOW YOU’RE TAKING ON THE PLASTIC POLLUTION CRISIS
WINTER 2024 ISSUE Amazon Fuels Plastic Pollution. How You’re Taking Action.
Allie Park Fights for a Just Environment with Generosity
7 Ways to Support Your Local Farms This Winter
A MESSAGE FOR YOU As I reflect on all the work we’ve done together this year, your dedication to protecting our food, water, and climate stands out as an inspiration. I’m so grateful because your care and commitment are needed now more than ever. With gift-giving season fast approaching, it seems timely to focus on plastic in this issue of Livable Future NOW . Corporations like Amazon will soon be extra busy shipping huge numbers of orders in their plastic packaging, adding to the already crisis-level plastic pollu- tion problem. Plastic has contaminated our water, air, and food across the globe. We must demand change now. Because of you, we’ve formed the Plastic Action Team, a passionate group of volunteers focused on tack- ling plastic pollution. They’re working to stop single-use plastic production and hold corporations accountable for cleaning up their messes. Your generosity this season will immediately strengthen our efforts to build a future where our environment is free of plastic pollution, and everyone thrives with safe water, food, air, and climate. Thank you for never giving up on our planet!
AMAZON FUELS PLASTIC POLLUTION. HOW YOU’RE TAKING ACTION. The blue-and-white bubble mailer signaling the arrival of an Amazon delivery has become a common sight in many neighborhoods. It’s also adding to the flood of plastic currently poisoning our environment, contributing to climate change, and endangering our health. The e-commerce behemoth will soon fill porches and mailboxes with its plastic packages as it gears up for gift-giving season. It’s high time we hold corporations like Amazon accountable for their plastic waste. Plastic packaging harms people and planet Amazon generated 709 million pounds of plastic packaging in 2021, with an estimated 26 million pounds destined to pollute our oceans and water- ways. This poses a huge threat to environmental and public health. When plastic degrades, it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics and nanoplastics. They
Wenonah Hauter Executive Director
Cover: Kathy Cook, a Volunteer Leader on the Plastic Action Team, stands outside the West Vincent Township building, where she successfully urged township supervisors to ban plastic bags for businesses. Go Kathy! Photo by Libby Madarasz
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Above: Carmen Morales-Board (pictured on the left), a dedicated Volunteer Leader on the Plastics Action Team, collects petition signatures in California supporting the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. Right, top: Volunteer Leader Kathy Cook was instrumental in winning a plastic bag ban for businesses in West Vincent Township in Eastern Pennsylvania. She's pictured here giving a presentation about the harms of plastics to Township supervisors. That day, they voted unanimously for the ban. Right, bottom: Kathy Cook and West Vincent Township Board Chair Dana Alan discuss the plastic bag ban.
get into the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe, ultimately harming humans and ecosystems worldwide. Much of the danger comes from toxic additives, including PFAS forever chem- icals and carcinogens like benzene. In addition, plastic worsens the climate crisis. It’s energy-inten- sive to produce, and almost all plastic is made from fossil fuels. New research suggests that the plastic industry produces four times the emissions of the airline industry. Don’t let those chasing arrows fool you Amazon emblazons its mailers with the “chasing arrows” symbol and a link to recycling information. Since most
curbside recycling programs don’t take film plastics used in packaging, you’re directed to a drop-off program. However, drop-off programs have failed to work — only a tiny fraction of Amazon’s plastic packaging makes it to a recycling sorting facility. In the U.S., only 5% of plastic gets recycled, even though most people dutifully fill their recycle bins. Plastic is much more likely to end up in an incinerator, landfill, or be shipped abroad forcing other countries to deal with the mess. That’s because plastic recycling isn’t profitable. Corporations know this. Plastic is cheap, and if they can convince us that they can use it without harming the planet
Not-So-Fun Fact A study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society estimates that the effects of just a few plastic additives cost us $249 billion in healthcare in one year.
— well, that’s perfect for their bottom line. Ending our plastic pollution crisis is possible Plastic is cheap because corporations can offload its environmental and health costs
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FOOD & WATER WATCH / ACTION — LIVABLE FUTURE NOW | 2
Volunteer Leader Iris Hiskey Arnoat (pictured on the right in the first photo and the left in the second) and her activist friends call for the end of plastic pollution and its feedstock, fossil fuels, at rallies in New York City. Ninety percent of plastics produced worldwide come from fossil fuels.
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You’re combatting plastic pollution systemically We’ve seen repeatedly that corporations won’t do the right thing unless they are forced to. Thanks to your generosity, together, we’re fighting for strong policies that prioritize public health and our planet over corporate profits. You’re taking on the fossil fuel indus- try, which supplies the raw ingredients for most plastics, and building support for the Break Free From Plastic Pollu- tion Act, legislation that will ban some single-use plastics and make companies responsible for their waste.
Together, we can build a future free of plastic pollution!
onto the public. We’re paying for plastic through our clean-up efforts and our medical bills. Plus, the oil, gas, and plastics industries receive massive subsidies funded by our tax- payer dollars. However, there is good news: corporations can and do reduce their plastic packaging when forced to do so by law . Following a ban on some single- use plastics in the European Union, Amazon stopped using plastic delivery bags in Europe. In other places that have also banned plastics, Amazon has replaced plastic packaging with paper or cardboard.
Stay in the Loop about Plastic! Interested in receiving urgent text updates about the campaign to break free from plastic pollution? Text PLASTIC to 23321 By texting 23321, you consent to receive recurring text message updates from Food & Water Watch and Food & Water Action. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to quit; HELP for info.
ON THE GROUND Kathy Can Fight Plastic Pollution Because of You
Thank you for giving passionate volunteers like Kathy a powerful way to better the world! merely discuss issues. Food & Water Watch is different because it not only provides education and training but also supports volunteer work with legislators and citizens. I am thrilled to be part of the Plastic Action Team that is creating real, sustainable change.” —Kathy Cook I have worked with other environmental organizations that
Photo by Libby Madarasz
Meet Kathy Cook — a Volunteer Leader on the Plastic Action Team, a team of dedicated volunteers with the specific mission of fighting plastic pollution.
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Allie Park Fights for a Just Environment with Generosity Food & Water Watch recently received an unexpected donation from Ramapo High School in New Jersey. We were delighted to see such generosity from a group of young people, led by Allie Park. Allie organized her school’s environmental club-sponsored fundraiser and gifted the proceeds to Food & Water Watch. Please introduce yourself to our readers. My name is Allie Park, and I'm a rising senior at Ramapo High School. I’m an environmental activist and filmmaker. Some of my work can be found on The New York Times Learning Network and Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs. How did you hear about Food & Water Watch, and what motivated you to create your fundraiser? I heard about Food & Water Watch through my sister, who was involved. As the president of Ramapo’s Environmental Club, I was motivated to create a fundraiser to give the club more purpose and pique students' interest in the issues that Food & Water Watch addresses. Our donation money was raised through a second- hand shopping event, so it was extremely fulfilling to raise awareness of both sustainabili- ty and Food & Water Watch in my school. One of Food & Water Watch’s current fights is against the NJ Turnpike Expansion. While I don't live very near the planned expansion, through being a Food & Water Watch member, I’ve interacted with people directly experiencing environmental injustices. This deeper involve- ment with communities across New Jersey has given me a stronger connection with environ- mental justice perspectives within the climate movement. What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy? I hope to get more people involved in the
fight for a just environment, whether by cover- ing transportation fees for students wanting to attend rallies, supporting outreach, or providing supplies for art builds. If you were talking to someone else about giving to Food & Water Watch (or Food & Water Action), what would you tell them? I encourage them to talk to Food & Water Watch members. You’re bound to be inspired because of their accomplishments, goals, and sheer passion — and you’ll ultimately want to join the movement. That’s how I got involved! What gives you hope for the future? Invigorating and inspiring conversations about environmentalism! Meeting so many amazing fellow activists and young people reminds me that, as long as we perpetuate our fervor and resilience, there’s hope for the future. When talking to people during outreach events, I realized that people want to get involved and learn more. It just takes a conversation to start a connection. I realized that people want to get involved and learn more. It just takes a conversation to start a connection. — Allie Park As president of Ramapo High School's Environmental Club, Allie Park organized the Thrift-a-Palooza fundraiser and donated the proceeds to Food & Water Watch.
FOOD & WATER WATCH / ACTION — LIVABLE FUTURE NOW | 4
How Extreme Is Factory Farm Density Where You Live?
7 Ways to Support Your Local Farms This Winter
Winter is coming — do you know who could use a warm hug? Your local family farms! Winter might seem like a slow season for farms, but there's plenty going on — it's a crucial time of planning, maintenance,
and specialized production. But with fewer crops to sell and fickle, sometimes rough, winter weather, small-scale farmers rely on their communities to get through these frosty months. Here are 7 ways to show your local farms some love this winter:
Have you ever wondered where factory farms are clus- tered? Our new report, Factory Farm Nation: 2024 Edition , includes an interactive map showing the growth of factory farms across the country over the past twenty years. From mega-dairies to massive poultry operations, this map reveals the scale and density of factory-farmed animals in every U.S. county. Zoom in and discover where these polluting facilities threaten communities, local water sources, and the environment. You can use this powerful resource to inform yourself, engage in local discussions, and advocate for sustainable farming practices.
Embrace winter veggies: Cold-weather champs such as squash, potatoes, carrots, and kale aren't just good for you — they're delicious! Whip up a hearty soup or roast them for a cozy side dish. You'll be supporting your local farmers' winter crops. Join a winter CSA: Many farms offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs during winter. You get a regular bundle of goodies, and farmers get reliable income. Win-win! Bundle up for winter markets: If available in your area, these markets are a lifeline for many small farms. Make it a fun weekend tradition — hot cocoa in hand, of course! Stock up on farm-made goodies: Jams, pickles, dried herbs — these tasty treats help farmers extend their selling season when fresh produce is scarce. Dine at farm-to-table restaurants: Look for restaurants that use local ingredients. Your taste buds and local farmers will thank you! Get in on the farm fun: Many farms host cool winter events like workshops, tours, or holiday markets. It's a great excuse to get out of the house and get to know your local agrarian neighbors. Spread the local love: Farm-made treats or CSA memberships make thoughtful and fantastic presents.
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Zoom In on Factory Farms
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Scan this QR code to access your interactive factory farm map, or visit fwwat.ch/factoryfarmmap
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Small actions add up to big impact. By trying one or more of these ideas, you’re not just helping family farms make it through winter — you’re doing your part to build a sustainable food future.
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YOUR FOOD & WATER WATCH AT WORK
ACTION SHOTS!
Not all heroes wear capes, but these organizers do! This past June, Food & Water Action’s Oregon team let their capes fly as they kicked off their Week of Action Against
Factory Farming with a commu- nity bike ride. The week also included an art build, pizza and trivia night, a call-in day, and a petition drop in Salem to urge elected officials to stop the expansion of factory farms.
Above, left: Organizers Lilli DiPaola and Aimee Travis prepare for the bike ride. / Above, right: Aimee speaks about Food & Water Watch’s mission on a local news program and invites people to join the Week of Action Against Factory Farming activities.
FEATURED VICTORY Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invited Food & Water Watch Legal Director Tarah Heinzen to serve on its new Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Federal Advisory Committee Subcommittee. The EPA formed this subcommittee in response to a petition and lawsuit filed by Food & Water Watch and dozens of allied groups urging the agency to properly regulate factory farm water pollu- tion. After studying how factory farms threaten water quality, the subcommittee will recommend much-needed improvements to EPA’s Clean Water Act regulation of the factory farm industry. Factory farm water pollution is a threat to clean water and public health across the country, and most of this industry remains entire- ly unregulated. I look forward to advocating for urgently needed reforms as a member of this Subcommittee. — Tarah Heinzen Because of you, Tarah is advocating for clean water, indepen- dent farmers, and environmental justice as we push for stronger factory farm water pollution regulations. Thank you for investing in our legal team!
Scan this QR code to read your Top 10 Victories of 2024 and see more of your impact. See More of Your Generosity at Work!
fwwat.ch/topten2024
FOOD & WATER WATCH / ACTION — LIVABLE FUTURE NOW | 6
UPCOMING EVENTS
Giving Tuesday
JOIN US FOR Livable Future LIVE!
Arrived Early — Just for You!
NOVEMBER 20 Post-Election: The Path Ahead JANUARY 29 Book of the Year: A Discussion with Austin Frerick, author of Barons Livable Future LIVE! is our monthly virtual education series featuring the latest environ- mental news and sharing what you can do to protect our food, water, and climate.
As a thank you for your continued care and dedication to protecting the places we love and our planet’s most precious resources, we’re offering you early access to our Giving Tuesday match! Show our planet some love today, and your donation will be matched $3-to-$1
— that's 4X the impact to build a brighter future. To donate online, visit fwaction.us/winter24lfn OR scan this QR code.
Save Your Seat Visit fwwat.ch/live or scan this QR code
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Food & Water Watch Turns 20!
Next year marks Food & Water Watch’s 20th anniversary — and you’re invited to celebrate with us! Throughout 2025, we’ll commemorate our history, community, and your impact. Join us for events — including our Against All Odds annual benefit in the spring — volunteer activities, and more!
STAY ENGAGED!
fwwat.ch/20-strong
foodandwaterwatch.org Food & Water Watch is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that educates and advocates for safe food, clean water, and a livable climate. Gifts to Food & Water Watch are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Combined Federal Campaign #17460 foodandwateraction.org Food & Water Action is our affiliated 501(c)4 nonprofit that mobilizes people to win campaigns that builds political power. Gifts to Food & Water Action Fund are not tax deductible.
MISSION Our food, water, and climate are under constant assault by corporations who put profit over the survival of humanity. They have seized control of the very institutions that were built to protect us. We mobilize people to reclaim their political power, hold our elected officials accountable, and resist corporate control — ensuring we all have the essential resources we need to thrive. This is a fight we must win because this planet is the only one we get.
NATIONAL OFFICE 1616 P Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20036 T: (202) 683-2500 Toll-free: 855-340-8083
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