No treaty is better than a weak treaty
[link removed]
AUGUST 2025
[The good news is that ambitious countries stood firm through conflicts of interest and a flawed process]([link removed])
Dear John,
I recently returned from Geneva, Switzerland from the [latest negotiating session for a United Nations Plastics Treaty (INC-5.2)]([link removed]), which I attended along with Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) staff, scientific advisors, business members, youth, and allies. The good news is that ambitious countries stood firm through conflicts of interest and a flawed process to reject a weak treaty that failed to protect people and the planet. For now, no treaty is better than a weak one! Yet this means the work is far from over. We remain committed to pushing for a strong UN Plastics Treaty that stops plastic pollution at its source and throughout its existence, and
advances real solutions for a just, toxic-free future. [Learn more]([link removed]).
Speaking of solutions, we invite you to join us on Friday November 7 in Santa Monica, California, for our first-ever [Plastic Pollution Solutions Expo]([link removed]), featuring leaders and innovators including PPC Business Members Cruz Foam, GOB, Ettitude, LOLIWARE, and more. [Register here]([link removed]).
We’re also thrilled to announce that on Saturday November 8, 2025, [TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch]([link removed]) will be livestreamed from Santa Monica, California, featuring sessions with global thought leaders addressing the question: How Do We Solve Plastic Pollution by 2040? We will dive into exploring solutions to the plastic pollution crisis—strong policies; culture change; and business solutions, including corporate accountability, regenerative materials and product design, responsible finance and investing, and reuse and circular systems. Be sure to [sign up to join the TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch
livestream]([link removed]) and to receive information about the archived talks post event.
As always, we’re committed to telling the [truth about plastic pollution]([link removed]) and leading with real solutions. All of us at PPC are deeply grateful to have you as part of our community.
Onward,
[Dianna Cohen]
Dianna Cohen
Co-Founder & CEO
Plastic Pollution Coalition
P.S. Please [support us]([link removed])—every dollar matters and helps fund our critical work.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
[Ambitious Countries Reject Weak UN Plastics Treaty in Geneva, Switzerland (INC-5.2)]([link removed])
★ [Ambitious Countries Reject Weak UN Plastics Treaty in Geneva, Switzerland (INC-5.2)]([link removed])
Despite a flawed negotiating process and the [U.S. and others backing polluters over people]([link removed]), ambitious countries and civil society rejected a weak treaty. Advocates, Indigenous Peoples, and scientists powerfully mobilized in Geneva to call for a treaty that centers human and environmental health, and the negotiations will continue. [Read more]([link removed]).
★ [Plastic Pollution Coalition Files “False and Deceptive Marketing” Complaint Against Just Goods, Inc., Makers of Just Water]([link removed])
While Just Water advertises its products as “natural” and “pure 100% Spring Water,” an independent laboratory evaluation revealed microplastics in Just Water’s packaged water products. These findings run contrary to Just Water’s advertising claims—[read more]([link removed]).
★ [What’s the Problem with Plastic? And What Can You Do About It?]([link removed])
Need a way to explain the problem with plastic with one easy link? [Here we cover the basics of the problem with plastics]([link removed])—and why its entire existence contributes to human health harms and injustices worldwide. Hint: It reaches far beyond people not putting plastic recycling in the correct bin. Every plastic item you’ve ever used or seen in your lifetime is still in existence in some form on the planet, and it will still be here long after you’re gone—including your childhood toothbrush. [Read more]([link removed]).
★ [No Plastic Fix for Bad Drinking Water]([link removed])
For cities facing unsafe drinking water, like lead pipes in New York City, plastic bottled water is a costly and toxic alternative. In this new op-ed, PPC and [Filtered Not Bottled grantee]([link removed]), [Cooper Square Committee]([link removed]), make the case for water filters as the better interim solution. [Read more.]([link removed])
★ [An Effort is Underway to Replace Lead Pipes in Orange and Make Drinking Water Safer]([link removed])
Safe tap water should be the norm, not plastic bottles. In communities like Orange, New Jersey, where lead pipes threaten health, water filters can help restore trust in public water while cutting toxic and costly plastic pollution. PPC and [Filtered Not Bottled grantee]([link removed]), [The HUUB]([link removed]), and local partner, Friends of Metcalf Park explain why. [Read more.]([link removed])
➤ Find more [Latest News on our website]([link removed]).
COALITION CORNER & OPPORTUNITIES
[2025 Plastic Pollution Solutions Expo | November 7th, Santa Monica, CA]([link removed])
★ [2025 Plastic Pollution Solutions Expo | November 7th, Santa Monica, CA]([link removed])
Come join us on November 7th for our first-ever [Plastic Pollution Solutions Expo]([link removed]), which will take place in Santa Monica, CA. This open format, walk-through event is designed to bring together a diverse audience to stimulate knowledge sharing and provide exposure for upstream solutions. From regenerative materials for textiles and packaging to stainless steel reuse systems, you’ll engage with leaders and innovators like PPC Business Members Cruz Foam, GOB, Ettitude, and LOLIWARE. We’ll even have light bites with Haute Mobile Disco DJ mixes throughout the day. [Register
today]([link removed]).
★ [Sign up for the TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch livestream on November 8th]([link removed])
On November 8th, TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch will be livestreamed from Santa Monica, CA, featuring sessions with global thought leaders addressing the question: How Do We Solve Plastic Pollution by 2040? Topics include microplastics and human health, environmental justice, climate change, and much more. Take part in this exciting event from wherever you are in the world! Even if you can’t watch live, be sure to sign up to receive information about the archived talks after the event. [Sign up]([link removed]).
★ [Win $3,000 in PPC’s “Plastic Kills… Again!” Short Film Contest]([link removed])
Plastic Pollution Coalition has teamed up with [Earth Angel]([link removed]) 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]([link removed]).
★ [Achieving a 30% Reuse Future for the UK]([link removed])
A new study by PPC Business Member GoUnpackaged found that the UK grocery market could save hundreds of millions of dollars in end-to-end system costs by scaling up reuse systems. Among others, their findings show that a 30% reuse scenario could be achieved by converting just 18 priority categories of products and can result in substantial economic growth, emissions savings, and job creation. [Read more]([link removed]).
★ [Bodhi Surf + Yoga awarded the Bandera Azul (Blue Flag) for Climate Change]([link removed])Congratulations to PPC Business Member Bodhi Surf + Yoga for being awarded their second Ecological Bandera Azul (Blue Flag) for climate change. The Bandera Azul is a certification in Costa Rica for businesses that adhere to a strict set of sustainability requirements. [Learn more]([link removed]).
★ [Apply for Paid Students Taking on Oil and Petrochemicals (STOP) Fellowship]([link removed])
Applications are now open for [Post-Landfill Action Network’s]([link removed]) sixth [Students Taking on Oil and Petrochemicals (STOP) fellowship cohort]([link removed]). This paid fellowship will take place Oct. 2025–April 2026 and is meant for college/university students located near petrochemical sites, with an additional focus on states within [the Ohio River Valley]([link removed]) (PA, OH, WV). [Apply by September 15]([link removed]).
➤ Visit our website for more [Resources]([link removed]), [Events]([link removed]), and [Ways to Take Action]([link removed]).
Your donation makes a difference.
[Donate]([link removed])
#plasticpollutes
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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).
Plastic Pollution Coalition
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Washington, DC 20008
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(323) 936-3010
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