Dear John,

We recognize that this is an especially difficult time for those who care about our world and our environment. We’re living through unprecedented times of cumulative trauma all around the world. Here’s a small reminder to breathe, seek support and community, and remember that you are not alone in wanting to build a better future—we are right there with you. Find resources to help in our guide, Climate Anxiety: How to Remain Hopeful & Resilient in Difficult Times.

This month we reflected on last year’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, California. Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) and our friends at Habitable published research on the connections between plastics in our built environment and wildfires, and how Los Angeles and other wildfire-affected communities can build back better and more resilient in the face of climate-fueled wildfires. Learn more.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out TEDx​Great​Pacific​Garbage​Patch, where global thought leaders convened to ask: How Do We Solve Plastic Pollution by 2040? Watch the TEDx talks.

It seems like every day there are new reports about plastic polluting our world, from oceans and rivers to microplastics contaminating our own bodies. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the issue and not know how to start doing something about it. That’s why we’re going back to the basics to explore the real causes of plastic pollution, how plastic affects our health and communities, and simple actions you can take to help solve the problem. Join us—and invite your friends and community—for our upcoming webinar, Back to Basics: Plastic Pollution 101, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Sign up for the webinar. 

We are grateful that you are a part of our community working together to create a more just, equitable world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. 

In Solidarity,

Erica Cirino
Communications Manager
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. Please support us—no amount is too small and helps fund our vital work during these uncertain times.

★ PPC Guide: Climate Anxiety: How to Remain Hopeful & Resilient in Difficult Times
The climate emergency and interconnected global environmental and social disasters like plastic pollution, natural disasters, and political strife can all take a heavy toll on our mental health. So how do we hold onto hope and make real change amid the endless flood of seemingly bad news? This guide is full of resources to help deal with the anxiety that can come along with caring about people and our planet. Check out the guide.

★ One Year Later: Los Angeles Wildfires Reinforce Why We Must Rebuild with Less Plastic
Last year, we saw the consequences of the widespread use of plastics as building materials in our warming world when Los Angeles County erupted in a series of devastating wildfires. The building and construction industry is the second-biggest driver of plastic production and pollution, after the packaging industry. Better decision-making tools for builders and policies encouraging safer, plastic-free building materials use can help usher in the necessary change that better protects communities from plastics’ dangers. Learn more about the problem, its solutions, and how you can help.

★ TEDx​Great​Pacific​Garbage​Patch: The “Garbage Patch” is Now Inside Us—But Solutions Exist
Global thought leaders recently gathered at TEDx​Great​Pacific​Garbage​Patch 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.

➤ Find more Latest News on our website.

★ PPC February Webinar: Back to Basics: Plastic Pollution 101
Join us on February 11, 2026, for Back to Basics: Plastic Pollution 101. Our panel of activists, educators, and scientists will present key information about the plastic pollution crisis, and what you can do to help protect yourself and the planet. This conversation will be suitable for beginners. Joining the discussion will be Kristy Drutman, Brown Girl Green; Rhonda Keyser, Program & Policy Director, Cafeteria Culture; and Dana Zhaxylykova, Microplastics Researcher. The webinar will be moderated by Jack Dalton, The Kid Conservationist. This webinar will feature live Spanish interpretation thanks to Alejandra Warren, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Plastic Free Future. Sign up.

★ Call on Netflix to Stream “Plastic People” Now
Join Plastic Pollution Coalition in calling on Netflix to stream the must-see documentary film, “Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics,” to make this powerful film more accessible to the public. Learn more about the film and take action.

★ First-Ever Position Statement on Nonhuman Primates and Plastic Pollution
PPC Scientific Advisory Board Member Janette Wallis is a primatologist who has been working to increase awareness about plastic pollution as it affects wild primates. Inspired by PPC, Wallis and the International Primatological Society, recently published its first-ever position statement on nonhuman primates and plastic pollution. PPC has been involved in various parts of the statement’s creation through workshops and roundtables since 2016. Learn more.

★ Spotlight: Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols
The revised 10th anniversary edition of the book Blue Mind by PPC Emeritus Scientific 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. Buy the book.

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