Four real solutions to the plastic pollution problem

The United States generates an astounding 35 million tons of plastic waste every single year. We’re the world’s single biggest plastic polluter.

That’s why working to move our country beyond plastic is so important. It’s a big task – but PIRG has a plan. We can make a real difference by convincing corporations to use less plastic in the first place, eliminating the worst single-use plastics, and pushing back against industry misinformation.

Plastic pollution is out of control

If your sink is flooding, the first thing you’d do isn’t look for a mop. You would turn off the tap.

The same is true for the flood of plastic pollution. No matter how diligent we are about putting plastic in the right bin, only a tiny fraction of plastic actually gets recycled. 

If we’re going to turn the tide on plastic pollution, we need to turn off the tap and stop making so much plastic in the first place.

What can we do to solve the plastic pollution problem?

There isn’t one simple solution to this plastic pollution problem — but PIRG has a plan:

1. Retailers can be part of the solution by using less plastic, especially in their packaging. We’ve already helped convince Amazon to start reducing plastic, and thousands of PIRG supporters have called on companies like Costco, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods to reduce their plastic footprint.

2. For decades, the plastics industry has pushed out misleading information about recycling. From misleading labels to burning plastic and calling it “chemical recycling,” we’re shining a spotlight on the industry’s deceptive practices, and calling on states and the Federal Trade Commission to promote truth in recycling.

3. The simplest solution to the plastic waste crisis is to make less plastic in the first place. That’s why we’re working to phase out the worst single-use plastics, and we’re making progress: More than a third of Americans live in a state with restrictions on at least one kind of plastic. 

4. We’re campaigning to pass the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, which would prohibit the dumping of plastic pellets, often called nurdles, into our nation’s waterways. Along with our national network, we’ve rallied tens of thousands of people to contact their representatives in Congress and urge them to pass this bill. And this spring, dozens of PIRG staff converged on Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress and their staff. 

For decades, PIRG has been taking on tough campaigns and winning real results. But we’re up against stiff opposition, and these campaigns will take significant resources to win. 

We don’t take a penny from corporations; our work is fueled by grassroots supporters like you. Will you donate to support our campaigns today?