Dear Advocates,

If we’re not cleaning up the oceans, what exactly are we doing? In recent newsletters, we took you on a journey upstream to show how we address the root of the plastic crisis through “upstream solutions”. Rather than focusing on downstream efforts like cleanup, we build and empower community, conduct scientific research to answer key questions, and work with brands to drive change from within. And now, we conclude our journey as we arrive at the holy grail – policy change.
 
We know that policy may not be as exciting as a trash-sucking vacuum or plastic-munching bacteria, but it’s more effective. There’s a popular analogy among the movement – “If your bathtub is overflowing, you don’t start by mopping up the water. You turn off the tap first.” Policy gives us an opportunity to turn off the tap on plastic pollution by stopping production of harmful single-use items, removing toxic materials and additives, and encouraging material redesign.

Because of you and your support, this year’s work led to impressive progress made at the Local, State, and Federal levels.