Rainbow Light Partners with 5 Gyres and Whole Foods Markets to Find Solutions to Plastic Pollution

Raising Awareness of Plastic Microbeads Pollution First Step toward Creating Change

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Apr 23, 2015, 06:00 ET

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems, the number-one most trusted natural vitamin brand, † has partnered with 5 Gyres, a non-profit with a mission to end plastic pollution, in a campaign to bring attention to tiny plastic grains, known as microbeads, that are used in a surprisingly large number of cosmetics and personal care products. These microbeads eventually find their way to our waterways and wildlife, and ultimately, into our bodies through the food chain, toothpastes or other body products that contain microbeads. A recent federal study found that chemicals from plastic are found in the bodies of the majority of Americans.[1]

To educate consumers on this urgent issue, 5 Gyres has partnered with Whole Foods Market® in the North Atlantic region to conduct an innovative #Ban the Bead campaign. As a brand partner and advocate for smarter packaging solutions, Rainbow Light® is featured in special in-store Earth Day promotion throughout the month of April. The campaign urges consumer to become Ocean Heroes in 3 ways:

Pledge to kick plastic at 5Gyres.org
Purchase sustainable products
Post at 5 Gyres #oceanheros

5 Gyres partnered with Rainbow Light because of the company's long history of environmental stewardship and leadership in design change. Rainbow Light pioneered EcoGuard™ 100 percent upcycled packaging technology in 2009 and now keeps approximately 10 million plastic bottles from entering the waste-stream every year.

"Poorly designed products escape consumer hands and waste management systems," said Anna Cummins, co-founder of 5 Gyres. "Plastic fragments become hazardous waste in the environment. We engage with companies like Rainbow Light that are championing design solutions to the problem of plastic pollution. Their EcoGuard bottles are an excellent example of the impact conscious companies can make to keep harmful plastics out of the waste stream."

Rainbow Light is a sponsor of the 5 Gyres SEA Change Expedition to the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. The expedition, setting sail on June 7, will conduct important research on marine plastic pollution while also inspiring leaders in ocean conservation. Jack Johnson, musician, waterman and activist will be present on the expedition to lend his voice to the important issue of plastic pollution and the immediate need for design solutions.

"As someone who loves and lives in the ocean, I couldn't be more excited to be participating in 5 Gyre's S.E.A. Change Expedition and Youth Summit," said Johnson. "I look forward to learning alongside the students, while helping to raise awareness of the importance of reducing our dependency on single use plastics."

5 Ways to Make a Difference: Amended from 5gyres.org

Bring our own water bottle, mug, utensils and reusable bag (underwater, plastic bags look like jellyfish to whales and other sea life that feed on jellyfish).
Say 'No Plastic Straw Please" when we dine out.
Buy what's in the least amount of plastic packaging.
Pick up five pieces of plastic pollution if we see litter when we're out.
Help our family, friends and co-workers understand that when we work together little things make a big difference.

†Weist & Co., 2014

About Rainbow Light^®

Rainbow Light® is the number-one most trusted natural vitamin brand. All Rainbow Light formulations are research-backed to deliver optimal health benefits with a blend of superfood concentrates, organic spirulina and herbal extracts. Plant enzymes, probiotics and botanicals are added to enhance digestion and nutrient absorption for the Rainbow Light difference, a difference you can feel. To learn more about Rainbow Light's wellness formulas and corporate social responsibility initiatives visit: www.rainbowlight.com and facebook.com/RainbowLightNS.

[1]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873011/

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SOURCE Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems