From Spotlight PA Berks Bureau
Spotlight PA Berks Bureau will host a community forum entitled “Single-Use Plastic” on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., via Zoom.
Scientists at Drexel University, working in collaboration with Penn Environment, a leading environmental organization in the state, recently conducted a study finding microplastic particles throughout the Schuylkill River watershed. In January 2024, a group of community members from Berks County launched an organization focused on reducing the consumption of single-use plastic in the region. They named their organization What’SUP Berks to emphasize their focus on reducing the reliance on single-use plastic in our region.
Simultaneously, the Reading Environmental Advisory Council began focusing on a strategy to reduce single-use plastic in the city. This initiative included educating city residents on the environmental impact of things like single-use plastic bags and plastic utensils. Ultimately, the council hopes to provide the city council with a draft ordinance banning single-use plastics.
Presenting for this conversation will be Tom Crotty, the Executive Director of What’s Up Berks, and David Beane, who is leading the Reading City Environmental Advisory Council’s work on their initiative.
Why is this important? Studies have shown that 87% of all plastic bags, sacks, and wraps are not recycled. Americans generate five times the international average amount of plastic waste. Studies have shown the link between microplastics and chronic illnesses.
They will be joined by Terry Reed, who is on the board of Berks Nature and leads the environmental sustainability team at the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club. He is a retired environmental scientist.
Please join Spotlight PA Berks Bureau for this community forum. Register here: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lh_5HnchRK-PEvqM2oBT6A. Once you register, closer to the date of the forum, you will receive the link to join the meeting.
