Plastic-free WNC
Plastic-Free WNC was begun by a Mountain True French Broad River keeper who was finding lots of plastic in the river and learning more about the dangers of microplastics. It is a program of MountainTrue that uses a variety of methods for getting the word out. Media have the widest reach through print, TV and radio. MountainTrue has a large email list that targets individuals who are interested in environmental issues in Western North Carolina. Word-of-mouth is also a key method; it is very effective when passionate individuals share an issue verbally, post on social media, write an op-ed, etc. Several folks from Mountain true joined with the WNC Sierra club, SELC, They have been working on this since 2020. They some initial research with the Duke Environmental Law Center, which is helping Durham create a similar ban.
Linda Tatsapaugh joined them as part of a project with leadership Asheville, and she has continued, focusing on Black Mountain. They already have Asheville working its way toward a ban, and have been doing a lot to convince Buncombe County commissioners.
Anna Alsobrook - MountainTrue link [[1]]
Ken Brame– Sierra Club WNC
Jane Laping– MT volunteer
Hartwell Carson – MT/French Broad Riverkeeper
Karim Olachea – MountainTrue
Sarah Ogletree – MT/Creation Care Alliance
Sarah Knox – SELC
Henry Gargan – SELC
In Black Mountain, current volunteers include
Rev. Bill Moore First Christian Church
Robin Stiles, BM Presbyterian Church
Julie Lehman, Montreat Conference Center
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