Can we fix plastic recycling?
Plastic producers have promoted recycling as the solution for plastic waste. But it’s not working. So, what should we do?
Beyond plastic
America's plastic problem has gotten way out of hand.
Most of us diligently recycle, take reusable bags with us when we shop, and look for new ways to stop using so much single use plastic “stuff”. Our individual actions are necessary, but won’t be enough. The good news is that the momentum to move beyond plastic is growing. More states, communities and businesses are getting rid of plastic bags, foam containers and other plastic “stuff” we can live without.
The Latest on Beyond plastic
Costco should stop supersizing wasteful packaging
Turning plastic waste into plastic lumber isn’t recycling
Updates
Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act reintroduced in Congress
Costco makes new commitments to reduce plastic use
PIRG, Environment America and Environmental Action deliver over 82,400 petition signatures calling on Costco to reduce plastic packaging
Featured Resources
Reducing plastic waste in the states
Trash in America
10 steps Whole Foods can immediately take to reduce single-use plastic
Refill, Return, Reimagine: Innovative Solutions to Reduce Wasteful Packaging
Did you know?
In 2015, Americans landfilled or incinerated over 50 million tons of compostable waste. That is enough to fill a line of fully-loaded 18-wheelers, stretching from New York City to Los Angeles ten times.
What We're Doing
Increasing compost can quickly and efficiently decrease methane emissions in landfills and restore soil health.
The Latest
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How to save money and cut down on waste when back-to-school shopping
Here are some simple tips on how you can save money and cut down on waste this back-to-school season.
Amazon announces the end of its plastic padded shipping bags
On Tuesday, Amazon announced that it is phasing out its padded shipping bags.
Are Amazon’s packages as recyclable as the company claims?
A group of PIRG volunteers investigated — and they tracked Amazon’s plastic packaging to some surprising places.
Walmart is America’s largest grocer — and a big source of plastic waste
Walmart is America’s largest grocer. By taking action to reduce its plastic packaging, it could trigger a domino effect across the industry.
Five tips to avoid single-use plastic at your summer cookout
Summertime is just around the corner, and while bringing family and friends together to enjoy the sunshine, eating burgers, dogs and veggies fresh off the grill can be a lot of fun, cleaning up lots of plastic waste at the end of the night just isn't.