The United States government must adopt policies to drastically reduce plastic waste, following the example set by the European Union.

Why is this crucial?

The United States is currently the global leader in plastic pollution—a distinction that no nation should be proud of. It is time for us to take action!

Each year, plastic production continues to rise, with over half of it being for  single-use items such as bags, straws, plates, and silverware. Large plastic producers want us to not worry because plastic can be recycled, but the reality is that less than 10% of plastic is actually recycled today.

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to both human health and wildlife. Throughout its lifecycle— from production to disposal—plastic releases harmful toxic chemicals. Discarded plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces (microplastics and nanoplastics), which are carried into our oceans, air, and soil, ending up in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.

Though the U.S. exports a substantial amount of its plastic waste to developing countries, the world is interconnected, and microplastics spread globally.

By 2050, it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by weight. Marine life is already suffering, with countless animals dying from ingesting plastic.

The average person is now ingesting up to 5 grams of plastic per week—equivalent to the weight of a credit card or 12 plastic shopping bags per year. Shockingly, the average human brain is already 0.5% plastic by weight, and this percentage is expected to rise.

Plastics have scientifically-proven health risks, including cancer and endocrine disruption, which can lead to reproductive, growth, and cognitive issues.

Two U.S. Senators have already proposed the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, but it has yet to be adopted. This legislation is crucial for reducing plastic waste and addressing the crisis.

We need your support to reduce plastic waste in the U.S. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the environment, our health, and the future of our planet. Change starts with YOU!

Please sign this petition today!