What most people don’t know about recycling “Styrofoam” cups
That plastic foam cup might have a recycling symbol on it, but can it actually be recycled? Get the facts on recycling foam cups and food containers.
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
Fast fashion by the numbers
Where to shop plastic free in North Carolina
Updates
Amazon announces the end of its plastic padded shipping bags
More than 52,000 Americans to FTC: Crack down on misleading recyclability claims
NC legislature introduces bill to reduce plastic in takeout
Featured Resources
Reducing plastic waste in the states
Trash in America
10 steps Whole Foods can immediately take to reduce single-use plastic
Green schools guide
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
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 July 4th cookout
Fourth of July 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 and watching the fireworks display can be a lot of fun, cleaning up lots of plastic waste at the end of the night just isn't.
The Countdown to Zero Waste – June Update
Our country has a waste problem. It's time for new solutions and a renewed commitment to move toward zero waste. PIRG and Environment America's advocates, organizers and members are promoting ways to reduce what we consume, reuse what we can, and recycle the rest.
Too much plastic: Why Amazon’s packaging needs to change
Amazon generates enough plastic waste to wrap the Earth 80 times over. But the company could become part of the solution to the plastic waste problem.
Advocates call for NC lawmakers to stop plastic pollution
On Wednesday, NCPIRG hosted state partners for the first ever Plastic Waste Reduction Lobby Day.