Plastic pollution harms ecosystems, human health, and the climate, with microplastics found in our oceans, food and even our bodies. Made from fossil fuels, plastic is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, with production skyrocketing over the past 70 years. We’re working to cut plastic production by 75% and phase out single-use plastics by 2040 to protect our planet and keep warming below 1.5°C.

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The cure for disposable “plastic crap” is here — and it’s simple

Blog Post | August 27, 2024 | Kristen McDonald and Leah Dunlevy
How WIRED’s recent piece on the solution to plastic pollution circumvents the emerging science on plastic and public health. WIRED’s article, “The Cure for Disposable Plastic Crap Is Here—and...
Plastic trash is swept onto a otherwise beautiful beach. Palm trees blow in the wind as blue water sweeps on the beach.

Pacific Environment applauds US’ stronger stance on Global Plastics Treaty

Press Release | August 16, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC, August 16, 2024 — Pacific Environment applauds the Biden administration shifting its position to take a stronger stance on the Global Plastics Treaty, including signaling an openness...

International Plastic Bag Free Day in Vietnam

Blog Post | July 18, 2024 | Trần Thị Kim Tuyến
July 3 marks International Plastic Bag Free Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the environmental impact of plastic bags and promoting sustainable alternatives.

Pacific Environment’s Monthly Newsletter

Blog Post | May 21, 2024 | Jared Saylor
Welcome to the May 2024 edition of Pacific Environment’s new monthly e-newsletter! This is an opportunity to highlight some of our work and share our victories for communities, climate,...

We need all hands on deck for a strong Global Plastics Treaty

Blog Post | May 10, 2024 | Kristen McDonald
Last week, the Pacific Environment team returned home from the fourth meeting of the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty negotiations (also known as INC-4) in Ottawa, Canada. This meeting...
Rear view of young male worker in helmet, pollution mask, and reflective clothing observing waste falling from conveyor belt onto pile at facility.

The Plastic-Climate Problem

Blog Post | April 19, 2024 | Jared Saylor and Kristen McDonald
An alarming new report published by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) confirms that plastic production is a huge contributor to global climate change. Gone unchecked, the report’s authors...