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
California takes sweeping action to curb single-use plastic
Colorado becomes third state to approve ‘producer responsibility’ law to reduce packaging waste
Updates
What’s next for Washington in the fight against plastic pollution
Baltimore County to consider ban on single-use plastic bags
CALPIRG shares tips on reducing waste around the holidays
Featured Resources
Reducing plastic waste in the states
Trash in America
The State of Recycling and Composting in Colorado 2022
Call Script for Whole Foods
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
Los Angeles lawmakers vote to cut out polystyrene foam, other common plastic pollution culprits
New ordinances will help curb the 30 million tons of waste (much of it from throwaway plastic items) that Los Angeles County creates each year.
Report finds that Colorado’s recycling rate is still lagging — but poised for a breakthrough
New statewide policies to reduce wasteful packaging and ramp up recycling could double Colorado's recycling rate.
Volunteers, organizers, leaders celebrate California’s landmark plastic reduction law
Less single-use plastic will mean cleaner beaches and a healthier environment for people and wildlife alike.
Plastic-Free Washington coalition hosts litter cleanups in local communities
In total, seven communities across the state held plastic cleanup events (rain or shine).
At ‘Massachusetts Day,’ lawmakers joined us to talk zero waste, clean energy and more
In particular, we got to talk with state Sen. Cindy Creem on how we can win the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill for our state.
Team
Casale
Matt
Casale
Director, Environment Campaigns, PIRG
Rakov
Susan
Rakov
Senior Vice President, The Public Interest Network; Managing Director, Frontier Group
Morgenstein
Mark
Morgenstein
Director of Media Relations, The Public Interest Network