Advancing a Future that Reduces Plastic Pollution

WHEREAS, Black communities are more likely to live near oil and gas facilities that produce petroleum-based products such as plastics; and 

WHEREAS, Plastic production and transformation has finally been scientifically recognized as harmful to human health; and WHEREAS, Plastic accounts for at least 8% of global oil production and nearly all plastics are made from fossil fuels; and

WHEREAS, Discarded plastic products continue to accumulate in the oceans and other waterways, rivers, and lakes, increasing the amount of microplastics in most frequently consumed fish; and 

WHEREAS, Over 170 fracking chemicals that are used to produce the main feed stocks for plastic have known human health impacts, including cancer, neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, impairment of the immune system, and more; and 

WHEREAS, Plastic production, manufacturing, and food packaging has been linked to cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive effects; and 

WHEREAS, Plastic waste management technologies release toxic metals such as lead and mercury, and other toxic substances to the air, water, and soil; and 

WHEREAS, There has been a lack of transparency regarding just how entrenched plastic is in manufacturing and production across the country, which makes impact harder to fully assess as well as decreases industry accountability regarding human health; and 

WHEREAS, According to reports, heat-trapping emissions from plastic production by 2050 could use up to 30 percent of the remaining carbon budget required to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and 

WHEREAS, Plastics are not being recycled, according to New Plastic Economy Initiative standards, and reuse of plastics is typically more toxic than the original form; and 

WHEREAS, Investigative reporting demonstrated that certain industries have known since the 1970s and 1980s that plastic could not be recycled, yet pushed the narrative that recycling reduces plastics; and 

WHEREAS, The United National Environmental Assembly agreed to develop the first legally enforceable agreement to reduce plastic pollution by 2024; and 

WHEREAS, The international agreement could consider the full lifecycle of plastic pollution; and 

WHEREAS, The United States is a key part of the negotiations in ensuring that plastic pollution reduction happens globally and domestically. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) advocates for environmental and climate justice and a holistic approach to reducing plastic reliance, a just transition away from fossil fuel industries, and a comprehensive reduction of plastic and petrochemical use across the entire lifecycle of plastics. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NAACP demands that the federal agencies hold industry plastic polluters accountable and build a mechanism for more transparency regarding plastic import and exports.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NAACP demands that the Biden Administration calls for a cut of plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 to ensure the country will meet its global warming commitments. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls on federal agencies and Congress to fund and further track the removal of plastics in the ocean and in other water sources. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NAACP demands the Biden Administration ensures a comprehensive approach to reducing plastic production and amplification of and decision-making power for frontline communities during international plastic negotiations, treaty agreement convening, and other opportunities to create a reuse future without plastic reliance. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, NAACP units will continue to advocate for reduction of plastic production, manufacturing, and reuse, and input regarding a future without reliance on fossil fuels and petrochemicals to ensure Black communities and other excluded communities do not bear the brunt of plastic pollution.