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
Featured Resources

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.

Learn more

The Latest
NEW REPORT: Analysis finds bag bans effective at reducing plastic waste, litter

Beyond plastic

NEW REPORT: Analysis finds bag bans effective at reducing plastic waste, litter

Plastic Bag Bans Work, a new report released Thursday by U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Environment America Research & Policy Center and Frontier Group, estimates that, on average, plastic bag bans similar to those studied can eliminate almost 300 single-use plastic bags per person, per year.

Media Releases  

10 steps Whole Foods can immediately take to reduce single-use plastic

Beyond plastic

10 steps Whole Foods can immediately take to reduce single-use plastic

The national chain prides itself on being a green grocer, but in reality, their promises fall short. Here are 10 steps that Whole Foods should take – many of which have already been taken by other retailers – to be more sustainable and ultimately be an industry leader once again.

Report examines America’s waste problem over past 3 years

Beyond plastic

Report examines America’s waste problem over past 3 years

Every year, the average American throws out nearly 1,800 pounds of trash. On Thursday, PIRG Education Fund, Environment America Research & Policy Center, Frontier Group and Community Action Works released a new report, Trash in America: Moving from destructive consumption towards a zero-waste system. The report examines America’s waste problem and recommends 10 steps the United States should take to build a “zero waste” economy.

Media Releases  

Show More

Team
Faye
Park

Faye
Park

Executive Vice President; President, PIRG