Black Women for Wellness Launches Lifecycle of Plastic in South Los Angeles Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025

[Los Angeles, CA] – Black Women for Wellness (BWW) is proud to announce the release of The Lifecycle of Plastic in South LA: Community Insights, a report that examines the environmental and reproductive justice impacts of plastic pollution on the Black community in South Los Angeles. The report highlights community concerns, insights, and proposed solutions while emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate harm from the lifecycle of plastic. 

To mark its release, BWW’s Environmental Justice team invites community members to a special launch event on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6 PM at the Museum of African American Art (Level 2, Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Mall). Attendees will discuss its findings, the impacts of plastic pollution on health and neighborhoods, and collectively envision a more sustainable future for South LA. Read the full report and RSVP here to be part of this important conversation.

Environmental and Reproductive Justice: The Connection to Plastic

Plastic pollution is not just an issue of plastic trash in our oceans – it’s an environmental and reproductive justice issue. Plastics are made from fossil fuels like oil and gas, and their production releases toxic chemicals into our communities in places like the Inglewood Oil Field — the largest urban oil field in the U.S., located in South LA. Exposure to these chemicals, many of which are endocrine disruptors, is linked to asthma, cancer, infertility, preterm birth, and low birth weight. BWW fights for reproductive justice and we recognize that exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental hazards exacerbates health disparities. 

“Globally and locally, the lifecycle of plastic is extremely harmful to our health, and each stage violates our human rights. Yet, too often, conversations focus solely on waste management, ignoring the lived experiences of Black communities and the reproductive justice implications,” said Dr. Zoe Cunliffe & Tianna Shaw-Wakeman, BWW Environmental Justice Program Manager and Director. “This report uplifts insights from years of engagement with our South LA community, including 35 interviews with Leimert Park residents and business owners. It highlights the reproductive justice connection to plastic pollution and calls for environmental justice communities to lead the way in finding solutions. At BWW, we are committed to working with and for our community to bring these solutions to life.”

Key Findings from the Report

Community Insights on the Lifecycle of Plastic:

• Finding 1: The Inescapability of Plastic. Black residents and workers feel that plastic is unavoidable in South Los Angeles, affecting their daily lives.
• Finding 2: Plastic in Everyday Life. Plastic is especially pervasive in grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and schools.
• Finding 3: Structural Barriers to Change. Residents worry that systemic inequities and environmental racism will prevent South LA from accessing sustainable solutions.
• Finding 4: A Call for Truth and Accountability. Many believe that critical information about plastic’s health effects has been withheld and that corporations and policymakers must be held accountable.

Community-Based Solutions Proposed by Black Angelenos: 

• Increased public education about the lifecycle of plastic and its health impacts. 
• Stronger regulations, and accountability from corporations and oil companies.
• Reparations for health harms, including affordable or free healthcare.
• Local community-led projects solving problems linked to plastic.
• Greater access to and affordability of reusable and sustainable items.

Join us on April 9th and learn more about Black Women for Wellness’ commitment to action on a state and international level.

About Black Women for Wellness

Black Women for Wellness (BWW) is a nonprofit organization committed to the health and well-being of Black women and girls through education, advocacy, and empowerment. Our Environmental Justice team addresses issues such as neighborhood oil drilling, plastic pollution, water quality, and exposure to toxic chemicals in personal and hair care products.

CONTACT:

For media inquiries, please contact:

Myeisha Essex, Communications Director
Black Women for Wellness
[email protected]