Plastic Free Friday

WELCOME TO PLASTIC-FREE FRIDAY, A COLLECTIVE ACT OF CARE

Plastic Free Friday is a weekly commitment to reduce plastic use, especially single-use plastics, by choosing reusable, refillable, and plastic-free alternatives every Friday.

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Plastic pollution & health impacts

Plastic use and disposal create widespread pollution, contaminate food and drinking water with microplastics and toxic chemicals, and are linked to serious health problems, including cancer, hormone disruption, and infertility.

Fossil fuels & environmental injustice

Plastic production relies on fossil fuels, releases greenhouse gases, and pollutes air, land, and water, causing significant harm to frontline communities living near petrochemical facilities.

Through small, consistent actions, individuals and communities can reduce plastic pollution, protect public health, and move us toward a more just and sustainable future.

***Disclaimer: This message is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not promote or oppose any political party, candidate, or public policy.***

🌍 PLASTIC-FREE FRIDAY | MARCH 6, 2026 🌍

This Plastic-Free Friday, we’re zooming in on global fertility rates and what plastics may have to do with the decline.

Global fertility rates have dropped by over 50% in the past 50 years.

What’s driving this change? Research from Dr. Shanna Swan suggests the drop is closely linked to exposure to chemicals commonly found in plastics.

In the new Netflix Original documentary “The Plastic Detox,” six couples experiencing unexplained infertility embark on a plastic detox in their homes. What they discover changes their families forever.

Watch The Plastic Detox to learn how reducing plastic exposure could help protect our health and our future.

#ThePlasticDetox is streaming globally on @Netflix starting March 16th.
Follow @UnplasticYourLife, the impact campaign behind the film, to learn more.

#PlasticFreeFriday #ThePlasticDetox #UnplasticYourLife #BreakFreeFromPlastic #RISEStJames

🌿 PLASTIC-FREE FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 27, 2026 🌿

This Plastic-Free Friday, we’re breaking down where plastic really comes from and why reducing it matters.

What we call “plastic” starts as oil and natural gas. It is made in 6 steps:

  1. Oil and natural gas are extracted

  2. They are heated and broken into small chemical building blocks

  3. The building blocks are linked into long plastic chains

  4. Chemicals are added for color, flexibility, and durability

  5. Plastic is melted and molded into products

  6. Products are cooled, finished, and prepared for sale

From fossil fuels to pellets to bottles, bags, and packaging.  Understanding how plastics are made helps us understand their impact on our health, our communities, and our planet.

#PlasticFreeFriday #BreakFreeFromPlastic #RISEStJames

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♻️ PLASTIC-FREE FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2025 ♻️

This week, we’re inviting business owners, creators, entrepreneurs, family organizers, and hostesses who are shaping businesses and homes with intention to lock in and share a little about their plastic-free journey.

What are some of the things you’ve done over the years to reduce plastic use and make your business or lifestyle more sustainable?

From switching to reusable packaging to rethinking suppliers or creating low-waste systems at home or work, every effort counts.

📩 Share your tips by sending a direct message or emailing info@risestjames.org.

📣 We’ll be highlighting your business and sharing some of your tips over the weeks ahead.

#PlasticFreeFriday

HOW CAN EVERYONE PARTICIPATE?

Starting Friday, February 20th, and through Good Friday (April 3, 2026) check back here each week for tips, special promotions, toolkits, and resources to help you reduce plastic use.

Getting involved is simple:

  • Choose reusables on Fridays and whenever possible

  • Refill instead of rebuying everyday essentials

  • Choose plastic-free alternatives when shopping

  • Learn and share information with friends, family, and your community

  • Support frontline communities impacted by plastic production and pollution