Reflections as we move into 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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Dear John,
Happy Holidays from all of us at Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC)! As we reflect on 2025, we are grateful for every one of you. Although 2025 has been a very challenging year, we know we are working to stop a global crisis that will affect humanity for generations—and we want to extend our whole-hearted thank you for standing with us.
We’re especially proud of our recent [Plastic Pollution Solutions Expo]([link removed]) and the [TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch]([link removed]), which also focused on solutions to plastic pollution.
More recent highlights: Our blog, [Dangerous Ground]([link removed]), covers the latest on microplastic pollution in our soils. An op-ed, [There is Still Hope for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty]([link removed]), featured in Common Dreams, co-authored by PPC’s Rachel Bustamante in collaboration with Break Free From Plastic and Pacific Environment. And [a big win for PPC and partners]([link removed]) in our efforts to push the U.S. EPA to track microplastics in drinking water.
Thank you for refusing to turn away from the ongoing plastics crisis. Thank you for joining us to tell the truth about plastic pollution and implement [real solutions]([link removed]).
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season and a peaceful New Year from all of us at PPC!
With Gratitude,
[Dianna Cohen]
Dianna Cohen
Co-Founder & CEO
Plastic Pollution Coalition
P.S. Please [support]([link removed]) us in your end-of-year giving—every donation matters and helps fund our vital work during these uncertain times.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
[TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch: The “Garbage Patch” is Now Inside Us—But Solutions Exist]([link removed])
★ [TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch: The “Garbage Patch” is Now Inside Us—But Solutions Exist]([link removed])
Global thought leaders recently gathered at TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch to ask: How Do We Solve Plastic Pollution by 2040? This inspiring, impactful event brought together scientists, business leaders and innovators, frontline community members and advocates, Indigenous knowledge keepers, policymakers, artists and entertainment industry professionals, and other experts contributing to the movement to end plastic pollution. [Learn more and watch the TEDx talks here.]([link removed])
★ [As Wildfires Mount, So Do Efforts to Use Less Plastic]([link removed])
As we approach the anniversary of the devastating January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the Thompson Reuters Foundation discusses our joint report with Habitable on how plastics’ prolific use in the built environment fuels wildfires—and how plastic-free building materials can help us create a safer and more resilient world. [Learn more.]([link removed])
★ [Win on Microplastics: Seven States Call for Federal Tracking of Drinking Water]([link removed])
In a bold move to protect human health from microplastics, seven governors are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to launch nationwide monitoring of plastic particles in drinking water, following nearly a year of advocacy from Food & Water Watch and PPC. [Learn more.]([link removed])
★ [Dangerous Ground: Microplastic Pollution in Soil]([link removed])
While many experts suggest limiting intake of processed foods to reduce exposure to microplastics from plastic packaging, studies have found that even common fruits and vegetables grown in the Earth, including apples, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, and radishes, are absorbing microplastics straight from soils. [Read more.]([link removed])
★ [There’s Still Hope for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty]([link removed])
With the recent resignation of the chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), 166 members of Civil Society have sent a letter to member states calling for the new chair, when elected, to fix the process. The next chair must ensure the voices of those harmed first and the worst by plastics—from fossil fuel extraction and plastic production to incineration, landfills, and pollution—are heard. [Read more.]([link removed])
➤ Find more [Latest News on our website]([link removed]).
COALITION CORNER & OPPORTUNITIES
[Spotlight: Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols]([link removed])
★ [Spotlight: Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols]([link removed])
The revised 10th anniversary edition of the book Blue Mind by PPC Advisor Dr. Wallace J. Nichols is now available, combining neuroscience with personal stories from top athletes, leading scientists, military veterans, and gifted artists, to show how our connection with water increases calm, diminishes anxiety, and boosts success. You may [buy the book here]([link removed]).
★ [Learn What Happens to Returned Gifts — from a Zero Waste Chef]([link removed])
PPC Notable Anne Marie Bonneau, aka the Zero Waste Chef, shares where your returned gifts go, why retailers call December “Returnuary,” and how you still have time to buy less. You can read about it in her Substack [here]([link removed]).
★ [Algalita’s Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant]([link removed])
Algalita is offering $500 in funding to turn your vision for a plastic-free future into action—whether it’s a reuse program, a cleanup campaign, or something completely new. Submit your application by January 15, 2025, to be considered for this year’s award cycle. [Apply here.]([link removed])
★ [Tell Big Brands: Stop Trashing the Planet!]([link removed])
Call on 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. [Sign the petition.]([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
4401A Connecticut Avenue NW #143
Washington, DC 20008
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(323) 936-3010
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