It's not your fault.

Happy Hump Day, Shit Givers.

There’s a lot going on in the world, and to avoid being overwhelmed by it all, we’re going to zero in on a few topics this week. We’re talking plastic pollution (spoiler: it’s not your fault), public health (spoiler: it’s getting worse), and AI (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be used for evil).

One action at a time. It all adds up.

Let’s go.

— Willow

Ok, turns out plastic pollution is really not your fault at all because Big Oil invented the idea of disposability and then played on your guilt about it by also inventing recycling (which isn’t real, I’m so sorry) and playing the “personal responsibility” card while taking no responsibility themselves because (DEEP BREATH) plastic has been their backup plan to fossil fuels THIS WHOLE TIME, which makes flames shoot out of my eyes.

But this email is all about action and things you CAN do to reduce plastic pollution so here you go:

Beyond Plastics pairs environmental policy experts with grassroots advocates to reduce plastic pollution at every level of our economy and civil life. Donate or register for one of their virtual trainings to join them. (go)

Surfrider has local chapters all over the US and Canada that are working to keep our beaches clean and accessible. (go)

Break Free From Plastic is a global movement working to achieve a plastic-free future. Join over 12,000 organizations and individuals around the world demanding lasting solutions to plastic pollution. (go)

Reloop uses data-driven research to lead the transition to a global circular economy. Check out their dashboard to understand waste trends and how your city can begin to ban plastics. (go)

Environmental Defence works with government, industry, and individuals to decrease community exposure to plastic pollution. Find out how you can volunteer or donate. (go)

Public health infrastructure has really been dismantled at home and abroad, largely being replaced with policies based on pseudo-science. The impacts of this will have both immediate (measles is back!) and long-lasting effects (good-bye to US soft power!), but we can’t just lie down and return to the days when doctors were offended by suggestions to wash their hands.

So, let’s start here:

RFK Jr. and the CDC have drastically reduced recommendations for childhood vaccinations, against the advice of medical experts. Call to demand a full investigation of this dangerous action that puts the lives of children at risk (go)

The People’s CDC is a CDC watchdog that advocates for public health and health justice. Use their health and safety resources to keep government officials accountable to provide a robust public health infrastructure. (go)

Read this excellent overview from Vox about how global health systems are failing to eradicate preventable, treatable diseases like Hep C. (go)

Toxic Free Future advocates for the science behind environmental health issues to drive strong laws and corporate responsibility. Donate to support their work. (go)

The clock’s ticking and we still have a bunch of legislation to pass in Virginia. We’ve done great work so far, and we’re almost in the homestretch. Since we’re on the topic, here’ some public health-related legislation to get passed:

🔎 Find more Virginia bills right here. 👈

Reminder: this is our first push of state-level Be Heard actions, with a focus on Virginia for now. If you want your state on board, reply to this email (thank you to everyone who has already replied! We see you, and we’re working on it).

We’re firmly NOT anti-technology over here, but we do believe that technology and innovation should be used for the betterment of humanity and the planet, instead of being used for, oh I don’t know, autonomous weapons of war or mass-psychosis-inducing “therapists”, for example.

Here are the groups showing up, working on, and speaking out about AI ethics:

That’s it for this week!

Thank you — as always — for giving a shit.

— Willow