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Start or join a Beyond Plastics Local Group near you or affiliate your existing organization to help reduce plastic pollution and advance solutions in your neighborhood, town, city, county or state. We offer free virtual grassroots organizing training, organizing tools, access to a growing network of like-minded advocates, and ongoing support. Learn more.
TAKE ACTION ONLINE
Scientists estimate millions of tons of microfibers enter the ocean every year—making textiles the largest known source of marine microplastic pollution. The Fighting Fibers Act of 2024 introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) focuses on one of the most significant sources of this pollution: our laundry.
Unfortunately, the Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides do not currently define the various terms related to the many different types of bioplastics available to consumers. In addition, the section of the Green Guides dealing with compostability is both too short and too vague to be effective.
Instead of continuing to be one of the world’s largest creators of plastic pollution, the U.S. should lead the global effort to reduce plastic production and consumption. Urge Secretary of State Blinken to make a strong commitment to the UN Global Plastics Treaty in Busan, Korea this November.
The US EPA has been greenlighting so-called "chemical recycling" facilities under the guise of its Renewable Fuel Standard program. But plastic waste is NOT a renewable fuel. Add your name to urge the EPA to stop supporting this false solution to our plastic pollution crisis.
Five of the train cars that derailed in East Palestine, OH in February 2023 were carrying vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen. Vinyl chloride is used to create polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC plastic. This chemical has been sickening people for decades. Join us in urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban it.
A December 2021 report estimates that Amazon generated 599 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in 2020- a 29% from 2019. Up to 23.5 million lbs of this plastic packaging waste entered and polluted the world’s waterways and oceans. Add your name now to ask Amazon to STOP polluting our planet with single-use plastic packaging.
Plastic is on track to outpace coal's greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. by 2030 unless we act now to stop the petrochemical industry's planned buildout. Urge the Army Corps of Engineers, EPA and CEQ to reject new and expanded petrochem permits.
A single tea bag can release 11+ billion microplastic particles into your cuppa. Urge major tea companies to switch to completely plastic-free packaging.
Urge major food delivery companies to switch single-use plastic utensils, condiments, straws and paper napkins to opt-in only!
Experts have proven that reusable bags and containers do not spread COVID-19. Use this sample letter to ask your store to allow them again.
Plastic. Pollution. CRISIS. If we don't act now, experts say there will be more PLASTIC than fish in the ocean by 2050. Call now to ask your members of Congress to co-sponsor the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.
10 simple strategies, switches and steps you can take to refuse single-use and get closer to zero waste.
TAKE ACTION IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Looking for something a bit more in-depth than taking action online? We’ve developed a set of easy to implement grassroots campaigns you can run in your own neighborhood, town, city or county to help move your community beyond plastics.
With no federal standards defining or regulating bioplastics, companies have free rein to label whatever they want as “biodegradable” and “compostable.” This lack of regulation has led to misleading marketing meant to falsely convince the public that certain products are environmentally friendly. TAKE ACTION to stop the greenwashing!
Hosting a screening of an award winning documentary is a powerful tool to educate and inspire action to reduce plastic pollution. See our recommendations to build awareness and spark engagement in your community.
Artificial Turf (plastic grass) is a massive source of microplastics and PFAS pollution that’s associated with heat islands and injuries. Protect your community by enacting a moratorium on the installation of artificial turf until a health study can be completed.
As an educator, your time is too precious to waste it reinventing the wheel! We’ve pulled together materials from partners and friends in the movement to help you teach engaging and inspiring lessons around solutions to the plastic crisis.
Join a national effort started by Upstream Solutions to make takeout foodware accessories upon request only. You’ll find everything you need here to customize your campaign, rally support and get a Skip the Stuff policy passed.
Share guidance, information and resources to help convince your local dry cleaning establishments move beyond single-use plastics.
Plastic packaging is the single largest source of plastic waste and it’s also one that we can do without. Send a message to your local chain super market that you want them to decrease packaging and increase bulk and refillables.
Restaurants produce a great deal of single-use plastic trash but reusables and better systems are not only possible, but can even offer savings. Share guidance, information and resources to help convince your local dining establishments to refuse single-use.
Plastic bottles are clogging our oceans, rivers, streets, landfills & poisoning our air when they're burned in incinerators. Convince the management to replace the plastic bottles in your local vending machine with drinks sold in truly recyclable aluminum cans or glass bottles.
Single-use plastic water bottles are clogging our oceans, rivers, streets, landfills & poisoning our air when they're burned in incinerators. Urge your local airport or government office to ban the sale of bottled water.
Help your local Meals on Wheels program switch from damaging, single-use disposable plastic trays and dishes to reusable ones. Reusables save the programs money and reduce waste - a win-win for the programs and the planet.
There’s no time to waste so we recommend attempting to ban many of our most common sources of plastic pollution – plastic bags, plastic straws, stirrers, and splash guards, polystyrene, and balloon releases – in one fell swoop!
ACTIONS MADE TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE
We don’t know what your schedule is like these days but whether you have a few minutes, a few hours, or you’ve just retired and are looking for your next passion project, we’ve got you covered!
Browse our Actions For Any Amount Of Time guide to find an action (or two or three…) that will help move the needle on plastic pollution and fit your schedule and interests.
TOOLS YOU CAN USE
All the printable materials you need to create an event table that’s both engaging and educational.
A petition is a powerful tool to demonstrate public support for a desired outcome AND a good way to build your email list.
Follow these steps to draft an effective news media advisory that will get reporters to your event, webinar, news conference, etc.
Follow these steps to draft an effective news release that will result in coverage of your announcement.
An organizational sign-on letter can be used to demonstrate broad support for, or opposition to, an issue, idea, or action. Learn how to make yours effective.
A call-in day is an effective “outside game” strategy to catch the attention of a decision-maker and demonstrate that your issue has broad support. Follow these steps to ensure that your call-in day is a success.
Hosting a panel discussion is a powerful way to raise awareness about plastic pollution and move people to action to address this global crisis. Whether you’re hosting online or in-person, follow these steps to ensure your panel is a success.
Host a rally to raise awareness, put pressure on decision-makers, and get some media coverage for the cause.
10 expert tips on writing a letter to the editor that will not only be published but also catch the attention of the decision-maker or target you’re hoping to reach.
The single most effective way to influence your elected officials is to meet with them! Find out how to schedule an effective constituent meeting whether it’s via Zoom or in person.
You may not be able to meet in person but that does NOT mean you can’t meet! Use this step-by-step guide to host an effective virtual town hall meeting.
Events tend to generate large amounts of single-use plastic trash BUT THEY DON’T HAVE TO! With planning and a little extra effort, you can keep your event’s waste to a minimum.