Diane “Didi” Bild, MD, MPH, Beyond Plastics Speakers’ Bureau Member
For Diane “Didi” Bild, MD, MPH of Silver Spring, Maryland, retirement became an opportunity to turn a lifelong commitment to prevention into action against plastic pollution.
A trained physician and epidemiologist, Didi co-founded Beyond Plastics Montgomery County, Maryland in February 2024. Since then, she has helped educate her community about plastic waste, advocate for policies that reduce unnecessary plastics, and raise awareness about the growing evidence linking plastics and microplastics to human health concerns.
In 2025, Didi joined the Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau, a nationwide network of advocates dedicated to informing and empowering communities to take action against plastic pollution.
Q: How long have you been part of the Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau, and what inspired you to get involved?
A: I joined the national Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau in 2025 and have been giving talks to the community on a regular basis as part of Beyond Plastics Montgomery County since 2024. I've been interested in environmental preservation my entire life and, in retirement, found Beyond Plastics to be a perfect outlet and support system for advocacy. I very much enjoy speaking to the public and providing information to hopefully inspire others to take action.
Q: What changes have you seen in the field since you began working to stop plastic pollution in your region?
A: Since I became involved, the medical literature and media have shown a huge surge in reports about the pervasiveness of microplastics and their potential harms to human health. It has moved the focus away from the environment somewhat, and we need to remind ourselves that both issues are important and, of course, closely linked.
Q: Is there a memorable moment from a presentation that stands out to you?
A: I like to use humor in my presentations. For example, I extoll the virtue of shampoo bars in place of bottles and always point out to the audience how great my hair looks!
Q: What message do you most want audiences to walk away with?
A: I want people to be concerned and to become involved at some level. Many are motivated to take steps to reduce plastic exposure in their kitchens and personal care products, but I want them to see the importance of working at the community level to restrict unnecessary plastic and change business practices.
The Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau
Our all-volunteer Speakers Bureau is about more than just sharing information — we aim to inspire and support advocacy and help empower communities to take action to stop plastic pollution. This growing network of trained, knowledgeable advocates plays an essential role in educating people, organizations, and policymakers about various aspects of plastic pollution and the solutions to this crisis. We are actively working to expand this network in every state so more communities can access local, informed voices.
If you’re interested in joining the Beyond Plastics Volunteer Speakers Bureau, please complete the form and we’ll be in touch.