Published December 2, 2025, by The New Press, "The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" by Judith Enck, Adam Mahoney, and Beyond Plastics is an

Published December 2, 2025, by The New Press, "The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" by Judith Enck, Adam Mahoney, and Beyond Plastics is an Amazon Editors' Pick. This powerful investigation reveals plastic's devastating impact on human health and the environment, from poisoned oceans and polluted air to microplastic contamination and environmental racism.

The book critically examines plastic's paradox, challenging the belief that recycling alone can solve the crisis. Instead, it debunks industry claims and emphasizes the urgent need for action, offering practical solutions like a "household waste audit" to empower readers. Learn more at: beyondplastics.org/publications/problem-with-plastic-book (ISBN: 9781620979457).

"The Influence of Environmental Activism on Gen Z Voting" featured four environmental leaders discussing activism's impact on youth turnout and civic engagement. Part of UC Berkeley's Creating

"The Influence of Environmental Activism on Gen Z Voting" featured four environmental leaders discussing activism's impact on youth turnout and civic engagement. Part of UC Berkeley's Creating Citizens Speaker Series, this event aimed to inspire future voters and citizen leaders.

The series, a partnership with The Commonwealth Club and others, offers students and community members opportunities to engage with leaders in politics, media, and education. The Commonwealth Club, founded in 1903, is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum, hosting over 500 annual events.

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On September 12, 2024, WECAN launched its "Gendered and Racial Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America" report. This fourth edition details how fossil fuel extraction

On September 12, 2024, WECAN launched its "Gendered and Racial Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America" report. This fourth edition details how fossil fuel extraction disproportionately harms women, particularly in Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income communities, leading to increased health risks, violence, and human rights violations. It also identifies complicit financial institutions and recommends steps for accountability and a just transition.

The virtual launch featured frontline women leaders, health experts, and advocates. Speakers like Roishetta Sibley Ozane, Rene Ann Goodrich, Sharon Lavigne, and Casey Camp Horinek demanded that financial institutions take action to protect communities, ecosystems, and the climate.

During the UN Climate Ambition Summit on September 20, WECAN hosted an event where women leaders called on governments to halt fossil fuel extraction. They urged investment in a Just Transition,

During the UN Climate Ambition Summit on September 20, WECAN hosted an event where women leaders called on governments to halt fossil fuel extraction. They urged investment in a Just Transition, grounded in climate justice, care economies, and Indigenous rights, rather than business as usual.

The event featured two panels. The first, "Women Ending the Era of Fossil Fuels," discussed transitioning away from extraction and policy advocacy. The second, "Women-led Climate Solutions Are Central to a Just Transition and Thriving Future," showcased successful community-led climate solutions.

The Women's Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted its Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This event gathered over 125 grassroots and

The Women's Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted its Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This event gathered over 125 grassroots and frontline women leaders, advocates, and policymakers from 50 countries to share diverse visions and strategies for a just and healthy world across 25 panels.

A significant panel, "Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America," took place on June 25th. Featured speakers included Sharon Lavigne (RISE St. James), Tara Houska (Giniw Collective), Nalleli Cobo (People not Pozos, South Central Youth Leadership Coalition), and Dr. Laalitha Surapaneni, a physician.

Beyond Plastics hosted a discussion with investigative journalist Sharon Lerner and former 3M scientist Kris Hansen. Hansen discovered PFOS/PFAS "forever chemicals" in public blood. Lerner's

Beyond Plastics hosted a discussion with investigative journalist Sharon Lerner and former 3M scientist Kris Hansen. Hansen discovered PFOS/PFAS "forever chemicals" in public blood. Lerner's expose, published in ProPublica and The New Yorker, detailed Hansen's research and revealed 3M had suppressed evidence of the chemicals' widespread presence decades earlier.

The discussion addressed critical questions: What is PFOS? How did it contaminate nearly everyone, including newborns? What are its health and environmental impacts, its link to plastics, and what protective measures can be taken?

From Oscar-nominated filmmakers Betsy West and Oren Jacoby, "This Is Not a Drill" documents three unlikely heroes confronting the powerful fossil fuel industry amidst escalating extreme weather.

From Oscar-nominated filmmakers Betsy West and Oren Jacoby, "This Is Not a Drill" documents three unlikely heroes confronting the powerful fossil fuel industry amidst escalating extreme weather. Justin J. Pearson rallies a multiracial coalition against a crude oil pipeline in Memphis, Roishetta Ozane transforms personal loss into political action in Louisiana, and Sharon Wilson, a former oil insider, exposes invisible methane leaks in Texas.

Backed by John D. Rockefeller's descendants, this coalition uncovers "Big Oil’s Big Con"—an industry promoting fossil fuels while disguising the truth. This Patagonia film showcases how courage, grit, and determination can inspire grassroots victories against powerful forces.

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On October 18, Dr. Sharon Blackie explored stories, myths, and archetypes, illustrating the transformative power of inner inquiry to shift the collective mindset. The interactive session

On October 18, Dr. Sharon Blackie explored stories, myths, and archetypes, illustrating the transformative power of inner inquiry to shift the collective mindset. The interactive session emphasized how solitude and nature deepen our sense of kinship, concluding with a challenge to consider foundational shifts for metamorphosis.

Dr. Blackie is an award-winning writer, psychologist, and mythologist, focusing on reimagining women's stories and the relevance of myths today. Learn more about her work: sharonblackie.net. Karen Doyle Grossman, Executive Director for the Garrison Institute, previously founded MicroMentor, the world's largest community of entrepreneurs and mentors: micromentor.org.