Anonymous,

Recent evidence that chemicals from plastics have made their way into human organs is alarming -- but not entirely surprising.1

We already know that plastic waste is polluting our communities and the environment and overflowing our landfills and incinerators.

The reality that plastics are even contaminating our own bodies is further evidence that it's long past time to address our plastic waste crisis.

Enough is enough. U.S. PIRG and our national network are working to move our country beyond plastic by campaigning for bans on the harmful and unnecessary single-use items we just don't need.

To keep this crucial work going strong in the weeks and months to come, we've set a goal of raising $10,000 by Sept. 30. Will you make a donation today?

This latest study finds chemicals from plastic inside human organs -- and researchers expect to find even more evidence of plastic particles in our bodies thanks to a newly developed technique for detecting microplastics.2

These findings follow an earlier study from 2019 suggesting that humans ingest about one credit card's worth of microplastics every week.3

One thing's for sure: We can't keep waiting for more and more evidence that plastic is a threat to our health and our environment. That's why, with your support, U.S. PIRG is working for concrete policies at the local, state and federal levels that will take bold action to address our country's plastic waste crisis.

Donate today.

Here's how we'll win the progress we need:

• By organizing and mobilizing in support of bans on the worst single-use plastics, such as polystyrene foam, which most people call Styrofoam. Already, our partners in Maryland have succeeded in passing a statewide ban on foam takeout containers. Last week, our partners in New Jersey successfully helped the state legislature pass the most comprehensive single-use plastics legislation in the country. Together, we can make your state next.
• By supporting the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020 in Congress, which would place the responsibility for recycling or composting common waste items where it belongs: on the producers of those items themselves.4 Advocates with our national network worked closely with U.S. Sen. Tom Udall and U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal to introduce this landmark bill.
• By opposing a $1 billion bailout for the plastics industry -- because our taxpayer dollars should be used to fight the public health crisis, not to prop up polluters.5

Your support makes all of this vital work possible. Will you help us meet our fundraising goal of $10,000 by Sept. 30?

Yes, I'll donate.

Thank you,

Faye Park
President

1. Victoria Forster, "Plastic Component Found In Human Organs," Forbes, August 18, 2020.
2. Damian Carrington, "Microplastic particles now discoverable in human organs," The Guardian, August 17, 2020.
3. Doyle Rice, "Oh, yuck! You're eating about a credit card's worth of plastic every week," USA Today, June 12, 2019.
4. "H.R.5845 - Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020," House.gov, last accessed September 16, 2020.
5. Sharon Lerner, "Big Plastic Asks For $1 Billion Dollar Coronavirus Bailout," The Intercept, April 27, 2020.

Your donation will power our dedicated staff of organizers, policy experts and attorneys who drive all of our campaigns in the public interest, from banning Roundup and moving us beyond plastic, to saving our antibiotics and being your consumer watchdog, to protecting our environment and our democracy. None of our work would be possible without the support of people just like you.