Globally, plastic use and production have grown exponentially in the last few decades, making them ubiquitous in everyday life. Single-use plastics account for 40% of the plastic produced globally every year, and they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Additionally, every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations, impacting marine life and livelihoods dependent on our oceans. 

In recognition of Plastic-Free July, join Women’s Earth Alliance for an event discussing ways to collectively address the pressing issue of plastic pollution and waste production in our communities. Hear directly from WEA Leaders Michelle Voacolo (Guam) and Webri Veliana (Indonesia) on strategies they are implementing and advocating for to reduce plastic waste and build circular economies. 

As the Co-Founder of Micronesia Climate Change Alliance, Michelle Voacolo is committed to creating community-based solutions to the climate crisis in Micronesia, especially in response to the plastic pollution crisis impacting our oceans and island communities. Michelle will discuss the importance of addressing this global crisis on the local level and the launch of Guam's first Zero Waste store. 

Webri Veliana (recipient of the Australia Awards) will speak about her experience of building a waste management and environmental preservation movement in her home of Pacitan, Indonesia, engaging households in systems and behavioral change to address all 17 SDGs, and her path to creating a Circular Economy framework that can be replicated in villages across Indonesia.