Dear John,

Plastic-Free July is just a week away. And while many people around the world will focus their attention on the plastic pollution crisis during this month, we appreciate that you are already aware and have taken action to create a more just, equitable world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.

There is bad news, yes. Every week it seems we are hearing news of microplastics being found in more places—whether in nature or in our own bodies. And the health impacts are scary too, with plastic and the chemicals in plastics being linked to heart attacks and strokes.

The good news is there is hope and a lot to be hopeful about. Solutions to plastic pollution exist, and many of Plastic Pollution Coalition’s members are leading the way. We have in our network businesses that are innovating in exciting ways: creating reuse and refill systems, using regenerative materials like seaweed, mushroom mycelium, chitin, and more to replace plastic film and packaging materials, and much more. (Be sure to sign up for our upcoming July webinar to learn about these!)

Policies to address plastic pollution are also increasing around the world and we’re tracking them in our Global Plastic Laws database and resource center. Perhaps most crucial is the UN Plastics Treaty that is set to be finalized by the end of this year. Together with our allies from around the world, we are advocating to make sure it’s the strongest global treaty possible, so that one day we can look back at the plastic age as ancient history.

Thank you for being part of our Plastic Pollution Coalition network. We see the challenges though know there are many amazing people and efforts in the growing global movement to stop plastic pollution, and we are optimistic about the shift happening. Together we are turning the tide!

Onward with gratitude,

Dianna Cohen
Co-Founder & CEO
Plastic Pollution Coalition