Hi,

U.S. health costs increased to $250 billion in 2018 due to chemicals in plastics that can cause cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and more.¹.The amount of plastic produced globally each year increased by over 30 million tons from 2018 to 2022, meaning costs — and likely health risks — are skyrocketing.²

Earth Day 2024’s Planet vs. Plastics theme recognizes the dire threats of plastics to human and planetary health. Sign the petition demanding world leaders step up to the plate and sign a binding Global Plastics Treaty that addresses these issues.

Last September, world leaders formulated a first draft of The Global Plastics Treaty — the “zero draft” — to be finalized by the end of 2024. Although it’s a good starting point with references to reducing plastic and associated harmful chemical production, there must be additional accountability and specificity.³

EARTHDAY.ORG’s Global Plastics Treaty petition calls for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040. Earth Day has the power to mobilize millions, and we’re harnessing your voice to move world leaders to action now.

Amplify your voice and put pressure on world leaders by signing our petition.

For all of us,

Kathleen Rogers
President

Footnotes:

1. Endocrine Society: https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/us-health-costs-related-to-chemicals-in-plastics-reached-250-billion-in-2018

2. Plastics Europe: https://plasticseurope.org/knowledge-hub/plastics-the-fast-facts-2023/

3. Grist: https://grist.org/international/after-a-year-and-a-half-negotiators-finally-have-a-draft-of-the-global-plastics-treaty/