Plastic Pollution Coalition: A Global Movement to End Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution impacts everything. It’s one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Plastic pollutes Earth’s air, fresh waters, lands, and oceans, harming wildlife, disrupting ecosystems and the climate, and threatening human health in many ways. 

In response to this growing crisis, Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) is on a mission to end plastic pollution by raising awareness, influencing culture and policy, and promoting sustainable alternatives. PPC is dedicated to creating a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on people and the planet.

Who is Plastic Pollution Coalition?

Plastic Pollution Coalition is a global alliance of individuals, organizations, and businesses committed to reducing plastic pollution and finding sustainable solutions to the plastic crisis. Founded in 2009, PPC has become a prominent player in the environmental movement, working to mobilize communities and influence public opinion and policy to reduce the production, use, and disposal of plastic.

The coalition’s work is centered around advocacy, education, and collaboration, with a particular focus on eliminating single-use plastics and supporting refill, regenerative, and reuse systems that prioritize the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

Why Plastic Pollution is a Problem

Plastic is everywhere. It’s in our food packaging, our clothing, our electronics, and even in the water we drink. While plastic has undeniable utility, its environmental and social impact is devastating. Plastic never degrades like natural materials; instead, it only breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces that remain plastic, polluting all parts of the planet from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench, and also our bodies.

• Marine life is at risk: Over 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, where it entangles marine animals, is ingested by sea creatures, and disrupts delicate ecosystems.
  
  

• Plastic threatens life on land: Plastic pollutes freshwater ecosystems and terrestrial environments, harming plants and animals.
  
  

• Human health is affected: Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, have infiltrated our water, food, and air. Recent studies suggest that these microplastics have harmful health effects on humans, from hormone disruption to infertility and cancer.
  
  

• Waste management challenges: Most plastic can’t be recycled, and the fact that over 16,000 chemicals are used to make plastic doesn’t help. This, and the sheer volume of plastic pollution generated each year, strains waste management systems around the world. And there’s no “away”: Plastic pollutes everywhere it is dumped, incinerated, and shipped.

The need for a coordinated global response has never been more urgent, and Plastic Pollution Coalition is rising to meet this challenge.

The Coalition’s Mission and Approach

Plastic Pollution Coalition's mission is simple: to create a more just, equitable, regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. They do this by advocating for policies that limit plastic use and reduce plastic production, raising awareness about the dangers of plastic, and promoting alternatives that are safe, sustainable, and effective.

Here are some key ways the PPC is tackling the problem:

1. Global Alliance: PPC’s network includes thousands of businesses, organizations, and individuals working to create a world free of plastic pollution. By joining, members have committed to working towards eliminating their plastic footprint, championing systemic upstream solutions, advocating for strong policies, and more. If you want to support brands that are part of PPC, you can now visit their collection on the DoneGood website!

2. Policy Advocacy: PPC works with policymakers to encourage the passage of legislation reducing plastic production and encouraging the use of plastic-free alternatives. This includes supporting bans on single-use plastic items like foam containers, straws, bottles, and plastic bags. By influencing local, national, and international policies, PPC is helping to create a regulatory environment that promotes sustainability and public health.
   
   

3. Public Awareness Campaigns: A major part of PPC’s work is educating the public about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of reducing plastic use. Through outreach, social media campaigns, and partnerships with other environmental and health organizations, the coalition is helping to shift public perception about the environmental cost of plastic.
   
   

4. Corporate Responsibility: PPC encourages businesses to take responsibility for the plastic pollution they produce by adopting sustainable practices. This includes reducing plastic packaging, designing products with a circular economy in mind, and investing in biodegradable or recyclable materials.
   
   

5. Promoting Alternatives: PPC supports the development and use of sustainable alternatives to plastic, from regenerative plant-based materials to reusable packaging. By helping businesses and individuals switch to plastic-free materials, the coalition is fostering the growth of a more sustainable economy, environmental stewardship, and better public health.
   
   

How You Can Get Involved

Plastic Pollution Coalition’s work requires the collective effort of individuals, organizations, and businesses alike. Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and its effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. You can check out the Plastic Pollution Coalition website to learn more on their facts and solutions pages, blogs, guides, webinars, and more!
   
   

2. Join the Movement: Become a member of Plastic Pollution Coalition or support their campaigns and initiatives. You can sign petitions, share information on social media, and participate in events to raise awareness.
   
   

3. Reduce Plastic Consumption: One of the most impactful actions you can take is to reduce your own plastic use. Opt for reusable items, avoid single-use plastics, and make choices to eliminate wastefulness in your daily life.
   
   

4. Advocate for Change: Get involved in local advocacy efforts to push for plastic-free policies in your community. Contact your elected officials and encourage them to support legislation that reduces plastic pollution. Looking for somewhere to start? Check out PPC’s guides here.

5. Donate: Contribute to PPC’s work by making a contribution. Visit their Ways to Give page to learn how.

Plastic pollution is an urgent climate, environment, and wildlife, human health, and social justice issue that demands immediate action. Through its advocacy, education, and partnership-building efforts, Plastic Pollution Coalition is playing a vital role in addressing this global crisis. By working together, we can create a world free of plastic pollution, protect our ecosystems, and safeguard the health of our planet for future generations.