(This page under development some links to be added)
Next steps
The basic sequence of events after sign up is:
1. Documentary.
If you haven’t already done so, take a look at 'The Story of Plastic' and think about which areas you’d like to study/ write about further with reference to the Topics listed.
You might also consider watching Plastic People.
Indicate preference for up to three topics by putting name - with number indicating order of preference - and highlighting it - on the work sheet and message MJ.
2. Choose Topic(s).
3. Add bio to the Team Gallery.
In order for the rest of the team to get to know you better, please message MJ with a short bio and or just a basic description of what you do when not working with us (less than 50 words).
Have a look at what others have put if you want an idea.
Include an image as well if you like.
We will then add your details to your profile on the gallery.
Message MJ when you have completed these steps so that Topics can be assigned along with an editor for each piece of writing.
The writing process
Topics are assigned to writers to ensure that as many topics as possible are covered, while at the same time everyone is able to work on topics in which they have expressed an interest.
​
The Editor is there to support the writer throughout the process as and when necessary.
Blog length. Blogs should be kept to maximum 300 words. That is not to say each project/piece of writing has to be that short, but that it can be broken up into 300 word blog posts.
So, for a more complicated topic it might be a series of up to seven or eight blog posts published consecutively, with the first introducing the series and giving context, then each consecutive one addressing a different aspect of it or providing necessary background information. For those series we can have links at the end of each post leading to the next so once they are all published people can read them more like a long form piece.
That is also not to say that the odd stand-alone 300-word blog post won’t also work. It might be very handy to use that format for reacting to news – i.e. giving a brief explanation of what a bit of news means or what a specific bit of science that has been mentioned means in more simple terms.
...continued
Once you have started a piece of work, please
b. save it in the draft folder for that Topic in the Drive folder
1. Know your subject
Take time to review all the available research. As well as the reference material on the individual Topic page, take a look at the ‘Reference’ page – filter by clicking on the relevant Category – and also contact MJ when starting as there may be more information in the pipeline.
2. Set up your draft
a. make sure the name of the draft includes the Topic number and
Please also consider drafting accompanying text for use in social posts later, as well as the relevant tags for any relevant orgs mentioned in the post(s)
3. Social Media
4. On to the edit
When you have done as much as you can on the piece (you might consider taking some time away and then coming back for a second look) move the draft out into the main folder for that topic and ask the editor to take a look
5. On to final check
Once you have taken on board and adjusted your draft while working with the editor, move the draft to the Pending Folder for final checking and publication
Key Categories
All posts and bulletins will be linked to one or two Categories as follows:
HEALTH
What is Plastic doing to you?
LIFESTYLE
What is the impact of lifestyle choices?
LEGISLATION
What can governments do about it; what are other countries doing?
CLIMATE
What are we doing about the climate emergency? Energy; Fracking; Incineration.
BIOSPHERE
Other factors affecting the environment, not necessarily related to plastic, e.g. deforestation
WASTE
Recycling/ DRS/ EPR; extraction of oil; habitat destruction; fracking.
CORPORATE
Greenwash; Vested interests; Lobbying
POLLUTION
What is Plastic doing to the world?
Reference material that can be viewed by category or date​.
More articles to come shortly.
Global Plastics Treaty Priorities
Topline Priorities for INC-5
1. The treaty must reduce plastic production at source.
2. The treaty must eliminate chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment.
3. We can’t manage what we can’t measure.
4. We need globally-binding rules across the full lifecycle.
5. Real action means real money.
6. Just Transition for affected communities.
​
In addition.
-
The guiding principle for the upcoming negotiations must be to deliver a treaty that is fit for the purpose to end plastic pollution and includes the elements listed above.
-
Meeting the negotiations deadline must not come at the expense of achieving meaningful results.
-
As the negotiations have progressed, a small group of countries has consistently demonstrated a lack of good faith. Negotiators should prioritize securing the essential elements outlined above, even if it means initially proceeding without the minority that is unwilling to make progress.
-
By establishing a solid foundation, negotiators can create an environment that encourages all parties to join the treaty over time.
We acknowledge the need for compromises and have outlined our expectations in a constructive spirit
If you want to be more proactive
(beware of rabbit holes...)
​Once you're happy with progress with your work, here are some other ideas to try if you haven't already:
Sign up to BFFP as an Individual Member and get on their email list.
https://register.breakfreefromplastic.org/
(Individual supporters are those who’ve signed up on the BFFP website as an individual and are not affiliated with any organization. You will receive regular communications and support from BFFP.)
THE UNITED KINGDOM WITHOUT INCINERATION NETWORK (UKWIN)
JOIN THE UKWIN MAILING LIST to get all the facts about Incineration.
To join the UKWIN mailing list please e-mail coordinator@ukwin.org.uk with the subject "SUBSCRIBE".
(message MJ if you sign up to either of these)