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
Frequently asked questions about recycling plastics
Updates
PIRG, Environment America and Environmental Action deliver over 82,400 petition signatures calling on Costco to reduce plastic packaging
Amazon announces the end of its plastic padded shipping bags
More than 52,000 Americans to FTC: Crack down on misleading recyclability claims
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
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.
Victory! New state laws will reduce pollution from plastic foam and packaging
Oregon and Washington are taking the kind of concrete steps we need to achieve zero waste.
Can I recycle that?
Tens of thousands of Americans call on the FTC to prohibit the use of the word "recyclable," the chasing arrows recycling symbol, or other statements that imply a product is recyclable on products that cannot be recycled.
Can you go a day without plastic?
Do you think you could go a single day without single-use plastic? Take the challenge and see just how much single-use plastic comes into your life, and explore the ways we can work together to eliminate it.
Team
Park
Faye
Park
Executive Vice President; President, PIRG