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
The plastics industry is pushing to burn, pollute and waste more
How to have a spooky and sustainable costume this Halloween
Updates
20,302 public comments submitted in support of banning vinyl chloride
The US is poised to support reducing global plastic production ahead of final negotiations on a UN Global Plastics Treaty
Knock, knock. Who’s there? PIRG!
Featured Resources
Reducing plastic waste in the states
Trash in America
10 steps Whole Foods can immediately take to reduce single-use plastic
Where is plastic produced?
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
Type
New research finds plastic in human brains
Microplastics are everywhere, including our bodies. What do microplastics in human brains mean for our health?
Plastic pellets on trains: a disaster waiting to happen
All of the largest North American freight train companies (by revenue) have spilled plastic pellets into the environment.
Here’s how microplastics are harming our health
Recent research reveals that tiny plastic particles are damaging our digestive system, lungs, reproductive system, and more.
The Environmental Protection Agency sets it sights on toxic chemical used to make plastic
Before the school year starts, go on a ‘nurdle hunt’
With summer winding down, consider taking your kids on one last summer adventure— to find plastic pellets, aka nurdles
Team
Park
Faye
Park
Executive Vice President; President, PIRG