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
Amazon announces the end of its plastic padded shipping bags
More than 52,000 Americans to FTC: Crack down on misleading recyclability claims
WashPIRG-backed bills to reduce plastic waste and make device repair easier advance in the legislature
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
What’s the problem with fast fashion?
In the United States, we generate enough textile waste to fill the Mall of America-- the largest shopping mall in the country-- every six days.
How to save money and cut down on waste when back-to-school shopping
Here are some simple tips on how you can save money and cut down on waste this back-to-school season.
Are Amazon’s packages as recyclable as the company claims?
A group of PIRG volunteers investigated — and they tracked Amazon’s plastic packaging to some surprising places.
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.