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. 

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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.

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The Latest
NEW REPORT: Innovative companies show how to eliminate single-use plastic packaging

Beyond plastic

NEW REPORT: Innovative companies show how to eliminate single-use plastic packaging

Leading up to Earth Day, U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Environment America Research & Policy Center and Frontier Group are releasing a new report, Refill, Return, Reimagine: Innovative Solutions to Reduce Wasteful Packaging, that explains no-waste and low-waste business models, shares case studies and demonstrates ways to reimagine our relationship with plastic.

Media Releases  

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  

Statement: Consumer, environmental advocates welcome Coca-Cola’s commitment to reuse

Corporate responsibility

Statement: Consumer, environmental advocates welcome Coca-Cola’s commitment to reuse

ATLANTA--- The Coca-Cola Co., the world’s top plastic polluter according to a recent Global Brand Audit, announced on Thursday a new commitment to use refillable or returnable glass or plastic bottles – or refillable containers at fountains and dispensers – for at least 25% of global beverage sales across its entire brand portfolio by 2030.

Media Statements  

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Team
Faye
Park

Faye
Park

Executive Vice President; President, PIRG