Listen "We Are Breathing Microplastics - Here's How, With Director of Global Earth Day, Aiden Charron"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of The Live Lightly Podcast, I sit down with Aidan Charron from Earth Day Organization to dive into one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time: plastic pollution. We unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes with the Global Plastics Treaty, where negotiations currently stand, and why this treaty could be a game-changer for the planet.Aidan and I explore how plastic impacts human health, air quality, and disproportionately harms low-income communities. We talk about the economic costs of plastic pollution, the toxins released during plastic production and disposal, and why plastic is more than just a waste issue—it’s a public health crisis.This conversation is packed with powerful insights on how everyday choices and consumer responsibility play a crucial role in driving systemic change. We also highlight stories of community advocacy, actionable tips to reduce your plastic use, and how to stay hopeful and empowered in the fight for a cleaner, more just world.If you're looking for practical ways to live more sustainably, understand the broader impact of plastic, and feel inspired to take action, this episode is for you.Connect with The Earth Day Organization on Instagram for a daily dose of eco-inspiration Check out all of the amazing resources at EarthDay.org and consider donating to support their work! Want to detox your home without the overwhelming feeling of sifting through greenwashing? Download my free Home Detox & Sustainable Living Wellness Guide to easily find products that are safe, toxin-free swaps for everyday household products—without falling for misleading marketing and greenwashing. This guide cuts through the confusing marketing noise and highlights products made by small, family-owned businesses that truly care about your health and the planet. No more wasting time and money on brands that claim to be "green" and put profit over people. Make the switch to products created with integrity, sustainability, and your family's health in mind.Help Spread the Movement with the Power of 10! 🌍✨Here’s how you can make an impact:🌍 Once you receive your first email with a link to the guide, I’d love for you to share it with 10 loved ones who would benefit from these resources. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change for our planet!✅ Share this episode with 10 people you care about—it starts with a conversation!⭐ Leave up to a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help more people discover this message, and inspire me to keep doing what I'm doing :)📺 Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube—your engagement helps amplify this mission!Every share, review, and comment makes a difference and helps make this show visible to more people!I’m so grateful to have you on this journey toward a healthier, more sustainable life!Your commitment to reducing plastic, toxins, and harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals makes a real difference for yourself, your loved ones, and our planet.I appreciate you so much and hope you feel inspired and empowered to live lightly—in body, mind, and spirit!Every small, sustainable shift you make for your health matters and creates a ripple effect for the planet. Together, we have the power to shift the tides in a positive direction—one conscious choice at a time. 💚🌍Join me on Instagram so we can continue learning and growing together✨@livelightlybyjessica@thelivelightlypodcastWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:The purpose and potential of the Global Plastics TreatyHow plastic pollution impacts air quality and healthThe link between plastic and increased cancer and reproductive issuesWhy frontline and low-income communities face the greatest burdenThe hidden economic and healthcare costs of plasticThe power of grassroots advocacy and policy changeWhy plastic is a human health issue, not just an environmental oneChapters00:00Introduction to Plastic Pollution and the Global Plastics Treaty04:59The Challenges of Negotiating the Global Plastics Treaty09:58The Impact of Plastic on Air Quality and Health14:24The Socioeconomic Disparities in Plastic Pollution18:32Community Stories and the Fight Against Plastic Pollution23:16Strategies for Reducing Plastic Use and Raising Awareness25:25The Cost of Convenience: Who Pays the Price?28:16Accountability in Plastic Production31:27Resources for Change: Empowering Individuals34:05Navigating Eco-Friendly Choices38:13Taking Action: Small Steps Towards a Plastic-Free Life