Taking Action Against Plastic Pollution on Earth Day

Pictured: Local elected officials, MountainTrue staff, and community advocates pose with the French Broad Mermaid and the Plastic Bag Monster after the April 22 press conference in Woodfin, NC. Photo by Paul King.

On Earth Day, April 22, a coalition of local elected officials and community advocates gathered at Silverline Park in Woodfin, NC, to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution. In a united front, representatives from Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and the towns of Weaverville and Woodfin announced local initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on harmful single-use plastics.

At the heart of their announcement was a commitment to phase out plastic bags, single-use plastics, and styrofoam, backed by new proclamations from local leaders. Speakers also called on residents and businesses to reduce their plastic footprint. This collective effort underscored the region’s dedication to the Earth Day 2024 theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” emphasizing the urgent need for a clean and healthy environment in Western North Carolina.

The event featured a lineup of influential speakers, including Mayor Esther Manheimer and Councilwoman Maggie Ullman of the City of Asheville, Parker Sloan of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Eric Ager State Representative from District 114, Caleb Rudow State Representative from District 116, Mayor Jim McAllister of Woodfin and Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons of Weaverville, among others. Their presence highlighted the significance of collaborative action in tackling plastic pollution at both the local and state levels.

Why this issue is so important:

Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis. Studies have linked plastic exposure to critical health risks, including heart disease, infertility, and various cancers.

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and public health. Recent studies have highlighted the pervasive impact of microplastics in terrestrial and marine environments, including their presence in the human food chain and bodies, with concerning concentrations detected in the French Broad River and other local waterways.

“We know that a significant volume of single-use plastic is discarded and becomes litter found in rivers, roadways, and other public and private areas throughout Asheville,” Mayor Esther Manheimer said.

Local efforts in cities like Asheville and counties like Buncombe to limit single-use plastics have been blocked by state-level preemptions. Now, with public support at our back, it’s time for statewide legislation that bans harmful plastics once and for all. Our health, our ecosystems, and the beauty of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains depend on it.

We can reduce that pollution by passing common-sense laws. During Earth Month 2024, the local governments of Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and the towns of Black Mountain, Weaverville, and Woodfin have taken meaningful steps to reduce their use of single-use plastics.

The Plastic-Free WNC coalition worked with Mason-Dixon Polling & Research to find out what North Carolina voters think about plastic; a significant majority expressed concern about the health impacts of plastics and said state lawmakers should take action to reduce single-use plastics. Support for state government action to reduce single-use plastics was widespread and bipartisan: More than eight out of ten (82%) North Carolinians support enacting policies to protect human health and the environment. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Republican and 91% of Democratic voters support reducing single-use plastics.

Recent studies and media reports have linked the presence of plastics in the human body to obesity, heart attack, stroke, falling sperm counts, infertility, premature births, birth defects, developmental disorders, and possibly Parkinson’s and dementia. Nearly nine out of ten (88%) North Carolinians said they were concerned about the health effects of plastic, with 50 percent of those saying they were very concerned.

“Ensuring that our food, water, and environment are safe and free of dangerous plastic pollution is widely supported by young and old, women and men, and Republicans and Democrats,” said French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson. “With a resounding 82% of North Carolinians calling for action, it’s imperative that corporations quit forcing single-use plastics on us. We don’t want it. Sound policy can move us away from the detrimental impacts single-use plastics cause. In the meantime, businesses should be working to phase them out.”

These poll results mirror surveys conducted by the City of Asheville in 2023, which found that more than 80% of respondents supported a citywide plastic bag ban, and by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce (2017), in which all but two of 500 respondents opposed overturning a popular local bag ban.

The North Carolina General Assembly stripped local governments of their right to ban single-use plastic bags.

In 2023, Durham was on the cusp of passing a 10-cent fee on disposable plastic and paper bags. In Western North Carolina, Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and the towns of Black Mountain, Weaverville, and Woodfin were moving toward enacting local ordinances that would ban single-use plastic shopping bags at the checkout aisle and styrofoam takeout containers.

As those local laws moved forward, Senate Leaders conspired with special interest lobbyists from the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association to insert language into the state budget blocking local governments from enacting any regulations on “the use, disposition, or sale of an auxiliary container (153A-145.11)”, including styrofoam containers and single-use plastic bags. The omnibus budget containing these new limits on local governments was released to the public and to the House and Senate for an up-or-down vote without opportunity for debate or amendment. Governor Roy Cooper later allowed it to become law without his signature.

Environmental and public health advocates around the state regrouped and are now focusing their efforts on building support for and passing a state-wide ban on single-use plastic bags and takeout containers.

“Our legislators have a constitutional duty to safeguard the health and well-being of the people of North Carolina. It’s time for North Carolina to join the more than 500 state and local governments across the United States that have already passed commonsense laws to reduce single-use plastics. This is not just an environmental imperative — it’s a public health necessity,” said Steve Wall, MD, a retired pediatrician and member of the Plastic-Free WNC Health Working Group.

Take action: stand up for a better future!

Every member of our community can play a part in this vital environmental endeavor; let’s continue to work together for a cleaner, healthier planet!

Contact Your State Legislators: It’s crucial that our voices are heard. Click here to email your NC Senators and Representatives and let them know that you stand with the majority of voters who demand urgent action on single-use plastics.

Spread the Message: Amplify our call to action on social media using #PlanetVsPlastics and #BanSingleUseNC, and encourage others to join this critical fight.

Learn more about Plastic-Free WNC

Join MountainTrue’s Board of Directors!

MountainTrue seeks a diverse board representing its service areas, including different areas of expertise and life experiences.

If interested, please complete the board member application and attach your CV/bio. Click here to apply. The Governance and Equity Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis until June 30, and the full board considers new members at its August meeting. Click here to view the board member job description.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Press Release: MountainTrue Announces Kid’s Merchandise Design Contest in Celebration of Earth Day 2024

For immediate release: April 22, 2024

Western North Carolina – MountainTrue is thrilled to announce its first-ever Kid’s Merchandise Design Contest, inviting budding artists aged 10-14 to showcase their creativity and love for the mountains. With the aim of fostering appreciation for the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains and promoting environmental stewardship, the contest encourages young minds to express their passion for nature through art. The contest launches on Earth Day, April 22, and runs through May 24, 2024.

The theme of the contest is “I Love Mountains,” inviting participants to illustrate what makes these majestic landscapes special to them. Designs that celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains will be favored, along with those that inspire others to share in the love for our mountains and region.

“We are excited to see the unique perspectives and creative expressions of young artists as they showcase their love for mountains,” said Amy Finkler, Development and Engagement Manager at MountainTrue. “This contest provides a platform for youth to connect with nature and share their environmental enthusiasm with the region.”

The winner of the contest will have the exclusive opportunity to collaborate with a professional designer to refine their design and prepare it for merchandise production. Additionally, the winning design will be featured on wearable merchandise, allowing the artist to proudly showcase their creation. The winner will also receive recognition in a MountainTrue e-newsletter as the contest champion.

Complete guidelines and requirements for the contest are as follows:

Theme: I Love Mountains

Preference given to designs showcasing the beauty and biodiversity of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
Preference given to designs that encourage others to share their love for mountains and the region.

Rules:

Designs must not contain offensive material or profanity.
Participants must be within the age range of 10-14 at the time of submission.
Winners must be available in August 2024 for a virtual meeting with the designer.
No restrictions on the number of colors or entries submitted.

Submission Deadline: May 24, 2024

The winner selection process will involve MountainTrue staff selecting three finalists on June 3, whose designs will be showcased to MountainTrue supporters and the general public for voting until June 30. The final winner will be notified during the first week of July. Parents or guardians must provide permission for participants to enter the contest. For more information on how to enter the contest and submission guidelines, visit mountaintrue.org/event/earth-day-kids-merchandise-design-contest/.

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Press Release: Asheville Celebrates the Eighth Anniversary of Michael Franti’s Support for the French Broad River with a Special Two-Night Music Event

For immediate release: April 16, 2024

Asheville, NC – This June, Asheville’s cherished summer tradition returns to the scenic banks of the French Broad River for its eighth year. Music icon Michael Franti, renowned for his global performances and deep commitment to social causes, will headline a two-night musical extravaganza at the Salvage Station, continuing his support for the environmental efforts of the French Broad Riverkeeper.

The event, set for June 28 and 29, promises an unforgettable experience with a stellar lineup of artists. The Friday show features Trevor Hall & The Great In-Between, Bombargo, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. The following night, attendees can look forward to performances by Niko Moon, Bombargo, and once again, Michael Franti & Spearhead. Tickets for both single and two-night passes are currently available at salvagestation.com/events/michael-franti-spearhead-4/

“We continue to support MountainTrue through live music and community outreach because we believe care about the health of the French Broad River,” said Katie Hild with the Salvage Station.

Over the past decade, Michael Franti has been a staunch supporter of the French Broad Riverkeeper, a program housed by MountainTrue. This enduring partnership has significantly benefited the organization, raising over $150,000 to aid in the preservation and protection of the local river ecosystem.

As French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson explains, “It isn’t just the money that has been used to monitor the river, track pollution sources, advocate for improved policies, and improve river recreation; it’s the connection with the community. Asheville loves Michael Franti, and his brand of positivity and connection to environmental protection are the perfect matches for our work.”

Anna Alsobrook, MountainTrue’s Watershed Science and Policy Manager, explains that “Franti helped us push a plastic bag ban to the one-yard line by rallying the sold-out crowd two years in a row to take action, but the Retail Merchants Association overruled the will of the public and got a state law in place that now prevents action. Well, we aren’t just going to stand by and let plastic choke our waterways and poison our fish and families; we have a fresh set of actions for the public to take so we can tackle single-use plastic pollution.”

MountainTrue Deputy Director and General Counsel Gray Jernigan explains, “Every year, Franti not only shows up to headline the benefit show, he really gets behind the cause. He’s always willing to go the extra mile by giving a heartfelt shout-out to MountainTrue, recording videos encouraging the crowd to take action, donating, and getting involved. He even floated down the river to see what we have been working so hard to protect. Want to hear good music for a good cause? Come out to one or both of Michael Franti’s Asheville shows this June!”

Join us in celebrating this unique fusion of music and environmental activism at the Salvage Station for a cause that impacts us all. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an inspiring and joyful event!

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Letter to Our Members: We’re Going to Court to Protect Endangered Wildlife

On Thursday, April 18, MountainTrue, in collaboration with our partners at the Southern Environmental Law Center, the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Center for Biological Diversity, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for violations of the Endangered Species Act committed during consultation and development of the Biological Opinion on which the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan relies. This legal action seeks to protect endangered wildlife that are threatened by the new Forest Plan, which prioritizes commercial logging in habitat that is critical for the survival of several species.

Our decision to pursue litigation was not made lightly. After our previously issued Notice of Intent to Sue—a mandatory precursor under the Endangered Species Act—was filed last July, it became clear that the Forest Service was not going to take steps to correct its failures. Despite our extensive efforts to work collaboratively with the Forest Service to produce a balanced and scientifically sound plan, we are again forced to go to court to seek the changes necessary to protect endangered wildlife. This is MountainTrue’s commitment to protect our diverse ecosystems and the communities that cherish these forests.

DONATE TODAY

Our members and supporters power our Resilient Forests program. Donate today, so we can continue to protect our old-growth and mature forests, which are critical habitats for many endangered and threatened species.

Photo of a Virginia big-eared bat by Larisa Bishop-Boros – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

The flawed Forest Plan jeopardizes not only the endangered northern long-eared bat, Indiana bat, Virginia big-eared bat, and the gray bat but also impacts species like the little brown bat and the tricolored bat, which are currently being considered for the endangered species list. Our lawsuit aims to rectify the inaccuracies, incomplete data, and flawed analysis that underpin the current plan, ensuring a more sustainable future for these critical habitats and the wildlife that dwell there.

To be clear, our goal with this lawsuit is not to stop logging on the national forest. However, we believe logging should be limited in areas known to be used by endangered bats. Unfortunately, the new forest plan allows run-of-the-mill logging in many of these areas without even looking for endangered wildlife.

Our Resilient Forests program, powered by the support of our members and donors, is essential in this fight. We thank you for your generous support. Every donation helps us work to protect old-growth, mature forests, and critical wildlife habitat.

The path ahead is challenging, but with you by our side, we can continue to advocate for a forest management plan that truly reflects the ecological and communal values we stand for. The future of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests depends on our collective action.

Thank you for standing with us,

Gray Jernigan
Deputy Director & General Counsel

Conservation Groups sue Forest Service over Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan’s impact on endangered wildlife

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — This week, a coalition of conservation groups filed a lawsuit over glaring flaws in the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan that put endangered forest bats at risk, following through on a previous 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue letter.

The Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan guides the long-term future of two of the nation’s most popular and beloved public lands. Together, the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests total more than a million acres, contain 1,500 miles of trails, and boast some of western North Carolina’s most iconic destinations. The forests are also major drivers of local economies — each year they attract millions of visitors looking to enjoy the area’s incredible diversity of wildlife.

But the newly published 2023 Forest Plan aims to quintuple the amount of logging in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests and puts sensitive areas, including important habitat for endangered forest bats, on the chopping block. Instead of fully studying the impact this massive expansion in logging would have on federally protected bats, the Forest Service relied on incomplete and inaccurate information to downplay the increased risks posed by the new Plan. The agency even ignored data showing where bats are found on the national forests and wrongly assumed that forests outside of the bats’ ranges would make up for cutting their actual habitats.

The flawed analysis clearly violates the Endangered Species Act, which requires federal agencies to use the best available science when considering how their decisions might harm federally protected species.

The northern long-eared bat, Indiana bat, Virginia big-eared bat, and gray bat, which are the focus of this lawsuit, are teetering on the edge of extinction and the Forest Service has admitted that protecting their habitats in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests is essential to the species’ survival. The bats are important pieces of these forests’ ecosystems and if they are unable to survive, there will be a domino effect throughout western North Carolina.

The Southern Environmental Law Center filed the case in federal district court for the Western District of North Carolina on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife, MountainTrue, Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity. Statements from the groups are provided below:

“The amazing diversity of wildlife is a major part of what makes the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests so special. The Forest Service should be doing everything they can to protect the rare and endangered animals that call these forests home, not recklessly putting their habitats on the chopping block.” Sam Evans, Leader of SELC’s National Forests and Parks Program, said. “The Forest Service had a great opportunity to restore forests and protect endangered forest bats, but the agency refused – now we are suing.”

“The U.S. Forest Service is duty bound to conserve species listed under the Endangered Species Act,” said Ben Prater, Southeast Program Director for Defenders of Wildlife. “The revised Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan falls short of the obligation to prevent extinction and secure the habitat strongholds that these public lands provide for four critically endangered bat species. The Plan commits us to accelerated logging and road building for the next 20 years, putting these imperiled bats at even greater risk. This is simply unacceptable for endangered bats that so desperately need our best efforts to survive and recover.”

“Sustainable and economically viable commercial logging is not incompatible with protecting our endangered wildlife. Instead, the Forest Service ignored the best available science and withheld critical information from the Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees endangered species protection. They forced our hand when they broke the law. Now, we’re going to court to protect wildlife and to win a more responsible Forest Management Plan,” Josh Kelly, Public Lands Field Biologist for MountainTrue, said.

“The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests serve as anchor points for sensitive habitat that protects a marvelous array of plants and wildlife, which are increasingly under pressure. The revised Forest Plan misses the boat for protecting key wildlife by emphasizing activities that fragment and degrade habitat, especially for species that rely on mature and undisturbed forests. The N.C. Sierra Club will continue to work to protect the wildlife and habitats that we cannot afford to lose,” David Reid, National Forests Issue Chair for the Sierra Club, said.

“The Forest Service has prioritized logging over protecting some of the most endangered species on the planet,” said Will Harlan, Southeast Director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “These bats are on the brink of extinction, yet the Forest Service wants to aggressively increase logging in their forest habitats. It is another heartbreaking failure of the Forest Plan.”

Media Contacts:
Southern Environmental Law Center: Eric Hilt, 615-622-1199, ehilt@selctn.org
Defenders of Wildlife: Jay Petrequin, 202-772-0243, jpetrequin@defenders.org
MountainTrue: Karim Olaechea, 828-400-0768, karim@mountaintrue.org
Sierra Club: David Reid, 828-713-1607, daviddbreid@charter.net
Center for Biological Diversity: Will Harlan, 828-230-6818, wharlan@biologicaldiversity.org

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