Turning plastic waste into plastic lumber isn’t recycling
Most of Amazon’s plastic packaging isn’t being recycled, and some might end up as material for plastic decking instead.
Recycling & compost
To reduce waste, conserve natural resources and address the mounting climate crisis, America needs more recycling and composting.
The Latest on Recycling & compost
A look back at what our unique network accomplished in 2023
PIRG’s warmest wishes for a safe and happy new year
Updates
Energy Conservation & Efficiency
Legislative Update: 8 Public Interest Bills Crossover
Baltimore County holds hearing on “bring your own bag” bill
Dear Congress, Please Reject Burning Plastic
Featured Resources
Truth in recycling
Products without packaging: How refill stores can help solve the plastics crisis
Reducing plastic waste in the states
Trash in America 2021
The Latest
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Report examines America’s waste problem over past 3 years
MARYLAND--- Every year, the average American throws out nearly 1,800 pounds of trash. Together, Americans throw out enough plastic each year to fill up the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium --- the largest NFL football stadium --- 565 times over.
Channel your inner Woodsy Owl, the original zero-waste influencer
Celebrating my favorite government mascot’s 50th birthday by sharing the zero-waste tips I have made a part of my life.
Statement: Target’s new plastic packaging goal is a step in the right direction
The Fortune 50 retailer Target announced a new goal Tuesday to reduce its use of virgin plastic 20 percent by 2025 across its own brand frequency products. It is part of a new sustainability strategy called Target Forward and covers such key categories as household cleaning, personal care and beauty.
Lawmakers and public push Whole Foods to put “Planet Over Plastic” at upcoming annual meeting
AUSTIN, Texas -- U.S. PIRG Education Fund , Environment America Research & Policy Center, and Student PIRG sent 59,000 petitions and a letter signed by more than 40 state lawmakers Thursday to Whole Foods urging the company to commit to a comprehensive plan for phasing out single-use plastic packaging from its stores. This follows a March 2021 letter signed by more than 130 advocacy and community groups calling on the national supermarket chain to adopt a bold response to the plastic pollution crisis.
Cross-country virtual road trip puts fight against plastic pollution on the map
DENVER — U.S. PIRG and Environment America hosted a virtual road trip Friday with state representatives and senators from across the country to celebrate and discuss dozens of policies to combat the plastic pollution crisis. The nationwide rally touched on efforts to hold companies, such as Whole Foods, accountable for their contribution to the problem, as well as highlighting groundbreaking federal legislation such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.