July 2026 newsletter

Welcome to the July edition of Pacific Current! This month we are celebrating Plastic Free July by highlighting real solutions to the plastic pollution crisis (and how you can get involved!). We also share an exciting coalition update and spotlight our latest blogs spanning the Arctic to our maritime decarbonization efforts in Asia.

Celebrate Plastic Free July by taking action on plastic pollution

Happy Plastic Free July! Every year, people around the world participate in this global challenge to rethink our relationship with single-use products, reduce plastic use and build a future beyond plastic. While individual actions matter, they are only one piece of the solution; addressing the plastic pollution crisis requires systemic change. Learn how you can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals in plastics while taking action to support the transition to safer, more sustainable reuse systems.

Our tips to minimize your toxic exposure from plastic and take action for systems change

Check out our short list below of ways that you can get started:

1. Conduct a plastic audit of things you own and buy. Is it made of or packaged in plastic?
2. Refuse single-use plastic whenever possible.
3. Prioritize reducing plastic materials for food storage containers, cookware (like non-stick pans and cutting boards) and drinkware.
4. Bring a “reusables” bag with you when you leave the house that includes items like a water bottle, coffee cup, food container and cutlery.
5. Sign the petition for a strong Global Plastics Treaty.
6. Get involved! Join local organizations and coalitions working on zero waste initiatives such as citywide composting, reuse/refill, “skip the stuff” ordinances, site fights against new incinerators or putting pressure on corporations to change their packaging (such as EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, laws).

Sick of plastic-wrapped everything in the grocery store?

So are we! Escape the heat and head to a major grocer near you to do a Supermarket Audit. Led by Break Free From Plastic, this global citizen science project will gather crucial global data to help us fight for supermarkets to adopt viable reuse systems and pressure regulators for plastic-free policies.

Pacific Environment joins High Seas Alliance

Pacific Environment is now a proud member of the High Seas Alliance, a coalition of over 70 organizations dedicated to protecting the high seas through stronger international governance and collaboration. Pacific Environment joins organizations such as Ocean Conservancy, Global Fishing Watch and Conservation International that are working hard to protect ocean ecosystems and support coastal communities. We’re excited to continue our efforts across strategic spaces including at the United Nations.

Protecting Arctic sea ice starts with cleaner shipping

Did you know Arctic Sea Ice Day takes place in July? Arctic sea ice is important not just for its valuable role in the Arctic ecosystem, but also as an essential component in maintaining the global climate and our planet. Our blog on Arctic Sea Ice Day underscores this message: protecting the Arctic starts with cleaner shipping.

Clean air advocacy takes center stage in Long Beach

Pacific Environment was proud to partner with Move LA for their 2026 Community Conversation and Policy Conference at the Long Beach Convention Center on June 24. State Climate Policy Manager Reema Bzeih and Climate Campaigner, Southern California Cristhian Tapia-Delgado joined Move LA in-person to talk about California’s clean shipping rule and how to protect our state’s shore power for ships rule. We look forward to continuing to work with Move LA to ensure cleaner and more just transit in Los Angeles County!

In the news

Explore some of our latest media highlights and expert commentary featured in leading outlets.

• Da Nang scales up plastic-waste-free schools (Nông nghiệp Môi trường)
• Da Nang: Developing green and sustainable tourism. (Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

How can we solve renewable energy curtailment and grid congestion? The answer lies in port electrification and green shipping.

At this year’s 2026 Jeju Forum in Jeju, Republic of Korea, Pacific Environment explored how this leading renewable energy region in Korea can demonstrate how maritime decarbonization, port electrification and energy hub development can synergize for a cleaner, more productive future. The answers to Korea’s renewable energy challenges may lie in a combined future for port electrification.

Meet our newest team members

Pacific Environment is excited to welcome four new team members advancing our work across the Climate program and across Asia.

• Cam Le joins as operations and administration officer, Vietnam to support the Vietnam office across finance, administration, operations and compliance work for the organization’s in-country programs.
• Hannah Nguyen joins as director of strategic partnerships for our Climate team’s Asia region, where she will lead the development of strategic partnerships and collaborations to accelerate solutions for ports and shipping across Asia.
• Kim Mikyoung joins as country director, Republic of Korea and will lead campaign strategy and implementation in Korea to advance zero-emission shipping and maritime decarbonization.
• Wang Danqing joins as zero waste cities coordinator at Pacific Environment’s Chongqing representative office and previously served at Pacific Environment as an intern in 2023 working on zero waste cities.

Make a gift today to support Pacific Environment

Be a part of our mission to ensure a cleaner, thriving Pacific Rim with a gift today! Your support helps us tackle the immense challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities and fuels the solutions we work toward year-round.