Dear John,

As we wrap up this Plastic Free July (PFJ), we’re inspired by our community (and all the new folks!) who committed to going plastic-free as often as possible all month long. If you missed out on PFJ, or if you took the challenge but want to keep the momentum going beyond July, we’ve highlighted some tips to help drive necessary systems change in our PFJ blog.

Speaking of systems change, Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) staff, scientific advisors, business members, and many allies are heading to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend INC 5.2, the continuation of the UN Plastics Treaty negotiations, taking place August 5–14. Please SIGN & SHARE our petition urging world leaders to enact a strong global plastics treaty that caps plastic production, and stay tuned for our updates from Geneva. The fossil fuel industry has been heavily influencing previous INC sessions, but we will do everything we can to counter their propaganda. We have truth on our side and are working toward a more just, equitable future for all, and we are dedicated to creating a world free of plastic pollution!

We’re committed to telling the truth about plastic pollution and driving solutions. All of us at PPC are grateful to have you as part of our community.

Onward,

Jackie Nuñez
Advocacy & Engagement Manager
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. Please support us – especially as we continue to advocate for a strong global plastics treaty—every dollar matters and helps fund our critical work.

★ Is Silicone Better Than Plastic?
Silicone is a material used to make various everyday products like baby teething toys, spatulas, baking mats, pet toys, food storage containers, and much more. It’s often marketed as a “green” and “healthy” alternative to plastic. But is it? Read more.

★ Plastic Free July: Small Steps to Create Systemic Change
Plastic Free July was started in 2011 by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and a small team in local government in Western Australia. Millions of people around the world participate each year, with many committing to reducing plastic pollution well beyond the month of July. Read more.

★ Clean Water Win: Filters in NJ Schools Protect Kids, Cut Plastic
On June 30, 2025, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a bill establishing a Department of Education grant program to fund point-of-use filter bottling stations and filter faucets in public schools. Read more.

★ CalRecycle Launches Complaint Portal to Report Producers Selling Expanded Polystyrene Food Service Packaging in California
Expanded polystyrene foam foodware has been banned in California since January 1, 2025, and producers face fines of up to $50,000/day. Read the FAQs and submit complaints. 

➤ Find more Latest News on our website.

★ Enter to Win $1,100 from Sustainable Brands on DoneGood Marketplace!
To celebrate Plastic Free July, the ecommerce site DoneGood Marketplace is offering a chance to win $1,100 worth of eco-friendly products from 11 sustainable brands, including PPC Business Members Axiology, Meliora, Olive & Comet, Plaine Products, River Organics, and Sunniemade. Enter to win the giveaway by July 31 and share with your family and friends to support companies that are stemming the tide against plastic pollution through better business practices and regenerative materials. We also invite you to visit the full collection of PPC Business Member brands on the DoneGood Marketplace and use the code PPC15 to get $15 off your purchase of $100 or more. 

★ USEFULL’s Plastic ‘Buyback Program’ Helps Colleges Move to Plastic-Free Reuse
PPC Business Member USEFULL has launched a plastic buyback program to help colleges and universities replace plastic recycling programs in their dining systems with reusable, returnable stainless steel containers. The University of North Carolina-Wilmington was among the first schools to switch under the program, in part because its plastic-based program was found to be ineffective. Learn more.

★ PPC August Webinar: Plastic Bottled Water: The Poison We Pay For
On Wednesday, August 27, PPC will host a webinar to address how plastic bottled water connects to issues of water injustice, undermines investment in safe drinking water infrastructure, and contributes to the growing global water and climate crises. Joining the discussion will be: Mary Grant, Public Water for All Campaign Director at Food & Water Watch; Daniel Jaffee, Professor of Sociology at Portland State University; and Amira Odeh-Quiñones, Hydrologist and Community Organizer at 350.org’s Caribbean Climate Network. The webinar will be moderated by Sofia Johansson, Campaign Coordinator at Plastic Pollution Coalition. Sign up.

★ Win $3000 in PPC’s “Plastic Kills… Again!” Short Film Contest 
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 with a grand prize of $3,000. Submissions are due by September 15, 2025. Learn more. 

★ Join 5 Gyres’ Plastic Free Parks Campaign
5 Gyres is partnering with adventure scientists for their annual Plastic-Free Parks campaign, a project to track pollution trends in U.S. national parks and federal lands. Data collected by nationwide volunteers will contribute to a report that details the materials, items, and brands of pollution found across federal lands, along with recommended science-based solutions. Join the effort.

➤ Visit our website for more Resources, Events, and Ways to Take Action.