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Hi Friends of 5 Gyres,

Earlier this month, we launched #MicroplasticFreeUS ([link removed]) , an advocacy campaign to drive policy action on microplastics in the United States. In just two weeks, over 200 of you have spoken up, urging your elected officials to protect environmental and public health. If you haven’t joined in yet, it only takes a minute — send an email now ([link removed]) !

Microplastic-Free US targets known sources of microplastic pollution, including microbeads, microfibers, and plastic pellets. Keep reading for exciting updates on these efforts!

P.S. If you’re in San Francisco, join us for a live panel discussion on May 28 ([link removed]) to learn about the role alternative materials can play in driving solutions.
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Global Action on Plastic Pellets

Thousands of volunteers took part in the first annual International Plastic Pellet Count! With 500 events in 30+ countries and all 50 states, this day of action illustrated the widespread impact of nurdles in waterways and communities around the globe.

Stay tuned for the report outlining results and recommendations soon. In the meantime, learn about nurdles and their impact here ([link removed]) !

Right: 5 Gyres Ambassador ([link removed]) Katie Abare led a plastic pellet count in Charleston, South Carolina

Microbeads Bill Gains Momentum

AB 823, authored by Assemblymember Boerner, is making progress in California, passing through the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee with an unanimous vote (6-0) and bipartisan support! The bill, co-sponsored by 5 Gyres, would prohibit intentionally added plastic microbeads ([link removed]) in leave-on cosmetics and cleaning products.

While we are encouraged by the positive momentum, we still have a long way to go. As we approach the Assembly Appropriations Committee meeting later this month, we’ll be rallying our community to make their voices heard — keep an eye on our social media ([link removed]) for updates!

Above: 5 Gyres Ambassadors ([link removed]) joined our team for California Ocean Day in Sacramento to lobby for AB 823 and other microplastics policies.


Partners Making Waves
* Sway launched a compostable, seaweed-based replacement for plastic polybags! This bag is already being used by prAna, Faherty, Florence, and Alex Crane, and is now available for any brand to use. Learn more here. ([link removed])
* If you’re shopping the Grove x 5 Gyres ([link removed]) spring collection, consider adding a donation to your cart through Grove’s Impact Shop ([link removed]) — a new way to give back to our microplastics work!
* Natracare’s new First Period Kit ([link removed]) is designed to help tweens and teens navigate their first menstrual cycle with confidence, making the experience as stress-free and sustainable as possible.
* Who doesn’t love music and wine? Join Bloodroot Wines at The Ramble ([link removed]) , a homegrown music and wine festival in Healdsburg, California.

More Ways to Give!

Turn Expenses into Impact: We partnered with PIE to create an innovative funding solution that enables corporate supporters to generate recurring donations by leveraging everyday business expenses. Learn more here! ([link removed])

Double Your Donation: Did you know that some employers offer an Employee Donation Match program? Check if your company will match your donation with this easy tool ([link removed]) .

Round Up Your Change: Everything we buy takes from our planet, but Gen E makes it easy to give a little something back. The app automatically rounds up the change of your purchases and gives it to the nonprofit of your choice (hint: 5 Gyres 😉). Download the app now! ([link removed])
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