Beyond the blue bin: a plastic bottle’s journey
What actually happens to a plastic bottle once it’s dropped into the recycling bin? Often, the answer isn’t what you think
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
We’re calling on Starbucks to ditch single-use plastic
How to store produce without plastic
Updates
UPDATE: New website calls on the LA28 Olympics to ditch single-use plastic
Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act upheld as constitutional
We submitted 14k public comments about microplastics in our drinking water
Featured Resources
Reducing plastic waste in the states
Trash in America
2026 International Plastic Pellet Count Report
Plastic in the Produce Aisle
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.
I think fast fashion has definitely gotten a lot worse over the years. We all know that it's exploiting the workers, paying them a really small amount of money, and it's exploiting the environment. It's very extractive, producing a lot of synthetic clothing that sheds microplastics, and there's a ton of waste.Lily Fang, Sustainable Fashion Content Creator and Educator
Lily Fang
I hope to see the fashion industry shift toward sustainability by reducing waste, prioritizing ethical practices, and focusing on quality over quantity.Anthony Bui, Georgia PIRG Student at Georgia State University
Anthony Bui
I hope that more consumers realize the implications of fast fashion, how much precious water is being wasted, and how much money they can save by just wearing mended and thrifted clothing.Arabelle Arnold - Hoffmann, Georgia PIRG Student at Georgia State University, Waste is Out of Fashion Campaign volunteer
Arabelle Arnold – Hoffmann
As an activist and advocate for a cleaner climate, it is disheartening to see so many people purchase attire that contributes heavily to the degradation of our planet. It doesn't have to be this way.Nathaniel Lee Atkins, CLEAN Grassroots Coordinator with Georgia PIRG Students, Georgia State University
Nathaniel Lee Atkins
As a student leader, finding ways for students to mobilize and use their voice effectively is always paramount. In my role as President, I encourage sustainable fashion by developing other student leaders to lead campaigns and host events that educate other students about fast fashion.Caleb Gustavson, President of Georgia PIRG Students at Georgia State University
Caleb Gustavson
The Latest
Type
Fall Legislative Briefing Series
Environment America, PIRG and our state affiliates have teamed up for a series of brief, informative webinars for state lawmakers and their staff on key issues affecting our environment, our health, and our well-being.
Don’t waste the games: The 2028 Olympics should ditch single-use plastic
Garbage shouldn’t be the legacy of the games. LA28 can seize this opportunity to champion a waste-free event
Ideas for environmentally-friendly Halloween decorations
Looking to decorate your house with sustainable Halloween decorations? Here are some ideas.
Can Coca-Cola once again become a leader in refillable bottles?
Can the company that's been called the world's biggest plastic polluter become a zero-waste champion?
Do microfiber filters actually work?
Many companies have come out with microfiber filters for washing machines, but do they actually work to reduce microplastic pollution?
Team
Park
Faye
Park
Executive Vice President; President, PIRG
Katz
Danny
Katz
Executive Director, CoPIRG
Domenitz
Janet
Domenitz
Executive Director, MASSPIRG
Morgenstein
Mark
Morgenstein
Senior Director of Media Relations, The Public Interest Network