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Keeping plastics out of our oceans, our environment and our bodies

WAER's environmental podcast Deeper Shade of Green with Dr. Chris Bolt

The plastics problem in the United States and around the world is epidemic. The equivalent of two garbage trucks full of plastics enters the oceans every minute. New research shows minute particles of plastic are in our blood and tissues. Recycling - which sounds good - only captures 6% of plastic garbage. New York is considering a law to reduce packaging of food, household products and all manner of things shipped and delivered to your door.

On this episode of Deeper Shade of Green, we speak with Alexis Goldsmith with Beyond Plastics. She explains the extent of the problem with plastic in our environment. She also details health impacts from microplastics, as well as chemicals and emissions in making plastic products. Beyond Plastics is among the groups pushing for the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act in the New York State Legislature. And, what's involved in trying to live plastics-free?

Research and production assistance by Hector Perez. The Deeper Shade of Green music was created by Kat Kollins.

Chris Bolt, Ed.D. has proudly been covering the Central New York community and mentoring students for more than 30 years. His career in public media started as a student volunteer, then as a reporter/producer. He has been the news director for WAER since 1995. Dedicated to keeping local news coverage alive, Chris also has a passion for education, having trained, mentored and provided a platform for growth to more than a thousand students. Career highlights include having work appear on NPR, CBS, ABC and other news networks, winning numerous local and state journalism awards.