Plastic pollution is a growing threat on par with climate change and an ecological, social, and human health crisis. With the world recognizing the need to move away from fossil fuels, the fossil fuel industry has turned its attention to plastics to make up for dwindling demand, as over 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels. The petrochemical industry has invested over $190 billion since 2010 to build or expand over 330 new petrochemical facilities, which would put 40% more plastic in commerce by 2027. If current trends continue, plastics will account for 20% of oil consumption by 2050.

8 Priority Plastic Actions

  1. Use the purchasing power of the federal government to eliminate single-use plastic items and replace them with reusable products
  2. Suspend and deny permits for new or expanded plastic production facilities, associated infrastructure projects, and exports
  3. Make corporate polluters pay and reject false solutions
  4. Advance environmental justice in petrochemical corridors
  5. Update existing federal regulations to curtail pollution from plastics facilities by using best available science and technology
  6. Stop subsidizing plastics producers
  7. Join international efforts to address the global plastic pollution crisis through new and strengthened multilateral agreements
  8. Reduce and mitigate the impacts of discarded and lost fishing gear

Support the Presidential Plastics Action Plan by going to plasticfreepresident.org to learn more and sign the petition urging President Biden to end the plastic pollution crisis.