Eric Newton is a funny man on a mission to help Angelenos reduce their trash – focusing on all of the plastics that dominate modern life, pollute the environment and our own bodies.
Newton employs the various talents and skills developed throughout his career as a performer, including roles as a circus clown, actor, comedian and a stint with the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil.
About six years ago, he decided to study recycling and resource management. He now works as a zero-waste specialist for Universal Waste Management and RecycLA, a public-private partnership that offers waste and recycling services to commercial and industrial businesses, institutions and large multifamily buildings. The recycling program emphasizes the “three bin system” for trash, recycling and organics – respectively, the black, blue and green receptacles – that helps with waste sorting and management and, in turn, reduces what ends up in landfills.
Becoming Plastic Free
On a recent Friday at a church in Echo Park, Newton donned a magician’s hat and used props to illustrate sustainability to an adult audience in an environmental presentation. “This sand sack became a cool bag,” he playfully remarked, engaging the inner child of his adult audience. He didn’t need any magic spells.
The audience responded with laughter.
“I’m trying to go plastic-free, what about you?” he asked.
Newton had been invited to the parish by the Immaculate Heart Community, an ecumenical nonprofit that promotes social justice and protection of the planet, for its monthly Lunch and Learn Lecture Series.
His discourse effortlessly breaks into song with eco-friendly verses. “Take a beat and try eating less meat,” he belted out in an operatic style.
Showing a slide, he explained that eating less meat has a positive impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
“I know that’s hard as … we rely on meat for a lot of people for our diet and protein, but less is better,” he said.
It can be challenging to suggest that people change their habits.
He explained the specifics of recycling programs, waste sorting, composting, environmental regulations and pollution. Newton is focused on his message, particularly when discussing plastics.
Plastics in World Waters
Unavoidably, the conversation took a somber turn when he shared the hard facts.
Over 15 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year, Newton pointed out.
Plastics labeled #1 and #2 are recyclable, while many others are not.
He warned that microplastics, tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found pretty much everywhere on the planet.
“They’re in every place that we look in the environment and also in our bodies,” Newton said, adding that this issue is “very serious.”
Concerns are increasing regarding the impact of microplastics on human health. Research indicates possible connections to inflammation, oxidative stress and potential effects on the heart, immune system, as well as reproductive and metabolic functions.
Newton displayed a slide with the message, “We cannot recycle our way out of this problem,” above a pile of discarded plastic on a beach – an image that captures the global plastic pollution crisis, which harms ecosystems, wildlife and our health.
Potential Actions
Angelenos have opportunities to contribute to the planet’s sustainability. Zero-waste initiatives encourage individuals to reduce their material consumption, reuse items and avoid unnecessary waste, which can significantly decrease the amount of trash sent to landfills. He recommended buying in bulk at stores that sell unpackaged products whenever possible. Newton also shared that a new recycling symbol will soon be introduced, which will be used exclusively on products that are actually recycled in California.
Before wrapping up his presentation and opening the floor to questions, Newton made another creative move. He played the classic 1970s dance hit “Le Freak”; he changed the words into an environmental anthem. The catchy tune was an easy way for attendees to remember the essential information he shared, which included how to properly sort waste in the three-color recycling bins.
To find more information on environmental programs and services in Los Angeles, visit https://sanitation.lacity.gov.