National CleanUp Day Proposal

National Cleanup Plan

Project Lead:

Steve Jewett, President

Executive Summary:
The proliferation of plastic materials within the last few decades poses several critical environmental problems. Plastics do not biodegrade and are threatening the planet's water, food, and air. The scale of this problem is worldwide and is the preeminent challenge faced by governments, individual consumers and international businesses alike. The National CleanUp Plan will incorporate existing research, plans, and policies to resolve these issues.

Solutions require a global commitment, national coordination, and local implementation. We propose the creation of a National CleanUp Plan that addresses the plastics issue directly. The plan will be implemented in coordination with Federal, State and Local governments in cooperation with nonprofit partners, educational institutions and businesses in the United States. The plan will provide an extended policy framework and strategy for Federal agencies with action concepts for States and Local Municipalities.

A global group of scientists recently called for actions to avoid a “plastic future” that included reducing plastic waste, improving waste management, and cleanup and recovery efforts. To remove the contamination poised to enter the fluvial and marine environments, they have suggested that up to one billion volunteers will be required to participate annually. To change littering behavior and increase the number of people that pick up litter, a minimum of 5-10% of a population is required to change the social norms and behaviors that will lead to lasting change. Our goal is to engage 10% of the US population in cleanups annually with this plan.

Key words:
Waste management, plastics pollution, marine ecosystems, public policy, social marketing

Links:
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