Reflecting on 2024 and preparing for a new year ahead

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DECEMBER 2024

[UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations wrapped up in Busan, Republic of Korea]([link removed])

Dear John,

[UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations]([link removed]) wrapped up in Busan, Republic of Korea, earlier this month, and I was there with the Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) team and allies to help keep the pressure on negotiators to agree on a strong, legally binding treaty. Despite Member States being [unable to reach a deal]([link removed]), there was [promising ambition and growing collaboration among the majority of countries]([link removed]), and we’re hopeful for the additional round of talks at INC-5.2 next year.
Ultimately, a delay is better than settling for a weak agreement that fails to meaningfully address the problem now, and the silver lining is that in the meantime, we can gain even more support for a strong treaty that cuts plastic pollution.

PPC is excited to announce [1% for the Planet as our nominee for The Earthshot Prize 2025]([link removed]). We are honored to be among the 432 official Earthshot Prize Nominators from 75 countries to select projects with ambitious but achievable goals that have the potential to restore our planet for generations to come. 1% for the Planet is changing business as usual, creating radical transparency, and ensuring planetary health by delivering business resources to environmental solutions. [Learn more.]([link removed])

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on both the wins and challenges ahead. As this year’s holiday season got underway, [Coca-Cola]([link removed]), the world’s biggest consumer-facing plastic producer, disappointingly—but not surprisingly—[dropped its plastic-free reuse targets]([link removed]) and even diminished its goals of plastic “recycling.”

Speaking of corporate greed, a new documentary on Netflix—[Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy]([link removed]) —exposes how big brands like Adidas, Amazon, Apple, H&M, Shein, and Unilever are trashing the planet. The film explores how targeted advertising, one-click purchase options, and mass production from some of the world’s largest companies are driving a new era of overconsumption, rapidly leading to a world choked in plastic pollution. [Read more]([link removed]) and [sign our related petition]([link removed]).

Everyone has a role to play in building a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts, and we must [hold the corporations]([link removed]) and [governments]([link removed]) responsible for perpetuating plastic pollution accountable. As we work together to shift the system, you can make changes in your own life, such as incorporating plastic-free practices that help end plastic pollution into your [holiday celebrations]([link removed]).

Onward together,

[Madison Dennis]

Madison Dennis
Project Manager, Filtered Not Bottled
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. Please [support our work]([link removed]) as we head into 2025. [Donations will be TRIPLE-matched]([link removed]) through midnight (ET) December 31.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

[UN Plastics Treaty Talks in Busan (INC-5) End with No Agreement, But Plan for INC-5.2]([link removed])

★ [UN Plastics Treaty Talks in Busan (INC-5) End with No Agreement, But Plan for INC-5.2]([link removed])
Negotiators from over 170 countries failed to agree on a global treaty to end plastic pollution at the fifth session of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), which concluded in Busan, Republic of Korea, on December 1. [Read more in this Earth Island Journal article]([link removed]). The process will now continue, and the Treaty, once agreed, will have widespread implications for plastic laws around the world. On December 12, [PPC hosted a discussion]([link removed]) about the importance of continuing to advance and track plastic policy at all levels, including with
the [Global Plastic Laws]([link removed]) database and resource center. The panel included Dr. Jamala Djinn, Science/Policy Advisor, Break Free From Plastic; Jennifer Gleason, Law Program Director, Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide; Shane Trimmer, District Director at the U.S. House of Representatives – Office of Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02); and Joseph Winters, Staff Writer, Grist. The webinar was moderated by Madison Dennis, Project Manager, Plastic Pollution Coalition. [Watch the recording]([link removed]).

★ [Coca-Cola Quietly Drops Reuse Targets, Decreases Recycling Goals]([link removed])
In early December, [top global polluter Coca-Cola]([link removed]) announced “voluntary environmental goals,” in which the company dropped its reuse targets and decreased its plastic recycling goals from previous initiatives. In 2022, Coca-Cola [committed to making 25% of its packaging reusable by 2030]([link removed]). Alarmingly, in the new announcement, the reuse goal has completely disappeared. [Read more]([link removed]).

★ [Plastic Kills… Again! – Past Film Contest Winners Share Their Advice]([link removed])
Since winning 2023’s horror short film contest Plastic Kills, filmmakers Adam Wademan and Helen Sun have taken their short films to dozens of festivals and won a myriad of awards. In our new blog, both creators discuss their journeys since winning and offer advice for filmmakers looking to make a killing in our follow-up contest Plastic Kills… Again! [Read More]([link removed]).

★ [U.S. EPA’s National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution: A Step Forward, But Not Far Enough]([link removed])
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution, outlining six voluntary objectives aspiring to end plastic pollution by 2040. We commend the EPA’s acknowledgment of the environmental justice impacts of plastics as a “central consideration” in the strategy, starting with fossil fuel extraction and petrochemical production. However, this recognition lacks actionable methods to address these injustices, such as setting production reduction targets or suggesting a moratorium on new plastic facilities. [Read more]([link removed]).

★ [Buy Now! How Big Brands Are Trashing the Planet]([link removed])
A new documentary on Netflix—[Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy]([link removed])—exposes how big brands are trashing the planet. The film explores how targeted advertising, one-click purchase options, and mass production from some of the world’s largest companies are driving a new era of overconsumption, rapidly leading to a world choked in plastic pollution. In 2018, plastic trash generation was 35.7 million tons in the United States alone. [Read more]([link removed]).

★ [Provide Water Filters to All Syracuse Residents Affected by Lead Pipes (Your Letters)]([link removed])
A letter to the editor by PPC Project Coordinator Rachel Bustamante discusses the urgent need for water filters in Syracuse, New York, where one in four residents are affected by lead pipes. Although the city plans to provide 6,000 filters to its most vulnerable families, thousands of households remain unprotected, facing exposure to contaminated water or relying on toxic plastic water bottles for drinking and cooking. [Read more]([link removed]).

➤ Find more [Latest News on our website]([link removed]).

UPCOMING EVENTS

[PPC January Webinar: Microplastics Within Us: Are We Becoming Plastic People?]([link removed])

★ [PPC January Webinar: Microplastics Within Us: Are We Becoming Plastic People?]([link removed])
Microplastics have been found in our food and drinks; in Earth’s air, soils, and oceans; and inside of our bodies. Join Plastic Pollution Coalition for a special webinar featuring scientific, advocacy, and media experts on January 15, 2025, to learn about how[microplastics]([link removed]) and [plastic chemicals]([link removed])may impact the future of humanity, and what we as a society can do about the growing danger of microplastics—including protecting yourself and your loved ones. [Sign up]([link removed]).

★ [Gamechanger: California Sues ExxonMobil Over Plastic Recycling Lies Webinar]([link removed])
Join Beyond Plastics and California Attorney General Rob Bonta on January 22, 2025, at 6 pm CT/7 pm ET for a free webinar to learn more about [California’s recent lawsuit against ExxonMobil]([link removed]) for intentionally deceiving the public about plastics' recyclability and chemical recycling for decades. [Sign up.]([link removed])

★ [Especies Mensajeras (“Messenger Species”): An Art Exhibition by Álvaro Soler-Arpa]([link removed])
In the exhibition Especies Mensajeras (“Messenger Species”), PPC Artist Ally Álvaro Soler-Arpa explores the complex relationship between nature and contemporary toxic agents, notably, plastic, which threaten the survival of many species in a changing and infected environment. Inspired by the principles of evolution, the sculptures of Álvaro Soler Arpa represent mutant animals, whose strange morphology is the result of uncontrollable genetic mutations caused by pollution. Runs at the Círculo De Bellas Artes in Madrid, Spain, until January 26, 2025. [Learn more]([link removed]).

➤ Find more [Events on our website]([link removed]).

COALITION CORNER

[Plastic Pollution Coalition Nominates 1% for the Planet for The Earthshot Prize]([link removed])

★ [Plastic Pollution Coalition Nominates 1% for the Planet for The Earthshot Prize]([link removed])
Plastic Pollution Coalition is excited to announce 1% for the Planet as our nominee for The Earthshot Prize 2025. 1% for the Planet is a scalable partnership model between businesses and NGOs that unlocks financial support to accelerate collective action for environmental solutions globally. By securing commitments from businesses of all sizes to donate 1% of their annual revenues to vetted environmental organizations, 1% for the Planet has already unlocked and certified more than $675 million for environmental causes. [Read more]([link removed]).

★ [Dr. Imari Walker-Franklin Recognized by National Academies for Science Communication Outreach]([link removed])
PPC Scientific Advisor, Imari Walker-Franklin, Ph.D., has been recognized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for her work in plastics research and science communication. Dr. Walker-Franklin received the “Research Scientist: Early Career” award, one of the 24 awards that comprise the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications. Her research focuses on determining human and environmental exposure to potentially harmful substances, with an emphasis on microplastics and their associated chemicals. In addition to her research, she co-authored the book [Plastics]([link removed]) (2023, MIT Press) and [has a YouTube
channel]([link removed]) where she discusses plastic pollution. You can also see Dr. Walker-Franklin on the June 2023 PPC Webinar, [Plastic-Free Seas: Diving Into How Plastic Impacts Health, Climate, and Our Oceans]([link removed]).

★ [Peace House Studio: Mending as a Solution to Textile Waste from Fast Fashion]([link removed])
This month we collaborated with PPC Business Member Peace House Studio to uplift mending as a solution to textile waste in fast fashion. The average American disposes of 81.5 pounds of clothing every year. Repairing and repurposing fabric extends the lifespan of clothing, discourages fast fashion, and promotes a culture of care and appreciation for textiles. Check out our PPC social media channels to learn more.

★ [USEFULL Helps Union College Cut Plastic Pollution]([link removed])A year after Union College first launched reusable takeout, it is an established part of students’ routines, and the college community has kept more than 15,000 containers out of the waste stream. Hear from others at Union College about their experience with USEFULL in [this short video]([link removed]).

★[Join Plastic Pollution Coalition]([link removed])
Not yet a member of Plastic Pollution Coalition? You may join as an individual, organization, or business. [Apply here.]([link removed])

TAKE ACTION

[Tell Starbucks: Build a Better (Reusable) Cup Campaign]([link removed])

★ [Tell Starbucks: Build a Better (Reusable) Cup Campaign]([link removed])
Tell Starbucks Chairman & CEO Brian Niccol to promote and increase incentives and discounts for reusable cups. Starbucks uses more than 8,000 plastic cups and plastic-lined paper cups per minute, and up to 6 billion disposable cups worldwide each year. Most of this ends up in landfills, the environment, or gets incinerated. Reusable incentives could help reduce Starbucks’ plastic pollution. [Sign the petition]([link removed]).

★ [Tell Adidas, Amazon, Apple, H&M, Shein, & Unilever: Stop Trashing the Planet!]([link removed])
We are calling on some of the world's largest companies in their sectors—Adidas, Amazon, Apple, H&M, Shein, & Unilever—to immediately reduce their use and production of plastic packaging and cheap disposable products that are trashing our planet. Urge these companies to implement stronger targets for reducing plastic waste and increasing reuse efforts, and scale back their manipulative ads that drive the relentless cycle of overconsumption. [Sign the petition.]([link removed])

★ [Tell U.S. Leaders to Take a Strong Stance on the Global Plastics Treaty]([link removed])
The UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations have been extended to next year with INC-5.2. Urge U.S. leaders to lead by forging ambitious solutions—like reduction of plastic production and freedom from corporate influence—instead of leading the world in generating plastic pollution. [Sign the petition]([link removed]).

★ [Urge Coca-Cola to Bring Back Refill]([link removed])
Coca-Cola is the largest consumer-facing global seller of plastics, producing almost one quarter of PET plastic bottles globally—despite it once leading on refillables. Call on Coca-Cola and its bottlers to bring back plastic-free refillable bottles. [Sign the petition.]([link removed])

➤ Find more [Ways to Take Action]([link removed])

OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

[Blue Mind Book 10th Anniversary Edition Available Now]([link removed])

★ [Blue Mind Book 10th Anniversary Edition Available Now]([link removed])
Over the past decade, the book [Blue Mind]([link removed]) by PPC Scientific Advisor and Marine Biologist [Dr. Wallace J. Nichols]([link removed]) has become the ultimate resource on the remarkable benefits of being near, in, on, or under water. Combining cutting-edge neuroscience, psychology, and cross-disciplinary data with compelling personal stories from top athletes, leading scientists, military veterans, and gifted artists, Nichols shows how proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success. The new 10th anniversary edition includes
updated science-backed research, examples of innovative practitioners, and a new afterword on the far-reaching impact of this groundbreaking book. [Order the book]([link removed]).

★ [5 Gyres’ 2024 Plastic-Free Parks Report]([link removed])
5 Gyres’ 2024 Plastic-Free Parks Report reveals results from an analysis of 12,500 lost and discarded items collected from 58 sites nationwide. According to the data volunteers submitted through 5 Gyres’ [TrashBlitz]([link removed]) mobile app, plastic is the most prevalent material polluting national parks for the third year in a row, making up nearly 80% of items recorded in 2024. This report highlights the power of community science in identifying plastic pollution trends in our national parks and the solutions driving us closer to a plastic-free future. [Learn more]([link removed]).

★ [Safer States’ Plastic and Health Resources Toolkit]([link removed])
Safer States has published its Plastic and Health Resources Toolkit, which is designed to provide policymakers with key information about how PFAS, petrochemicals, plastics, and microplastics affect human health, and what solutions are needed to reduce harm. [Learn more]([link removed]).

★ [The Bow Seat 2025 Ocean Awareness Contest]([link removed])
The theme of the [Bow Seat 2025 Ocean Awareness Contest]([link removed])—Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside—encourages you to explore the natural world and your place in it. Open to students worldwide between the ages of 11–18. [Cash awards up to $1,000]([link removed]). Submit by June 9, 2025.

★ [Plastic Kills… Again! Short Film Contest]([link removed])
Announcing [Plastic Kills… Again!]([link removed])Plastic Pollution Coalition has teamed up with Earth Angel for a second round of our popular Plastic Kills short film contest. We’re challenging filmmakers to create original horror short films that highlight the terrors of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on our bodies, children, pets, and planet, while also helping to show real solutions to this real-life menace. This time, we’re offering cash prizes for first, second, and third place, with a grand prize of $3,000. Submissions are due September 15, 2025, giving you plenty of time to scare up your spookiest stories. [Sign up for email
updates]([link removed]).

➤ Find more Resources in our [Resource Library.]([link removed])

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Plastic Pollution Coalition is a non-profit communications and advocacy organization that collaborates with an expansive global alliance of organizations, businesses, and individuals to create a more just, equitable, regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. Plastic Pollution Coalition is a project of Earth Island Institute, a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, organized and existing under the laws of California (Federal Tax ID #94-2889684).

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