Campaigns Addressing Microplastics
Below is sampling of existing campaigns addressing microplastics, around the world. Link to campaign sites to learn more and grab valuable resources available to public.
| Campaign | Resources Available | Impact |
|---|---|---|
|
Beat the Microbead An international campaign against microplastic ingredients in cosmetics. Focused on educating the public about what microbeads are and how they can infiltrate animal and human bodies and cause potential harm to living organisms. |
– Results section contains public and political actions each year
– Download the Beat the Microbead 3.0 app to scan your products for microplastic ingredients – Product lists by country show which products do and don’t have microplastics in them + list of products with ZERO plastic in them – Microbeads FAQ |
As of Q1 2019, the campaign was supported by 42 countries and regions. 448 brands from 119 different manufactures promised to remove plastic microbeads from their products |
|
Take Action: Microbeads A campaign inviting individuals to avoid products with microbeads and pledge to go #plasticfree |
– Science Research Hub a curated library of most relevant studies to better understand the issue, resources on how to conduct microplastic field studies and links to peer reviewed reports
– Download Better Alternatives Now B.A.N. List 2.0 – which itemises the top 20 single-use plastic items littering U.S. waterways and identifies the brands responsible – Provides many infographics for download and a great FAQ
|
In 2013, diverted 16 billion microbeads from American oceans and lakes, after only 3 months of running the #beadfree action campaign, which was focused on discouraging the use of plastic microbeads
Worked with Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oreal and Unilever to voluntarily phase out plastic microbeads from products made by brands like Neutrogena, Dove and The Body Shop |
|
Ocean Clean Wash A campaign focused on tackling one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution in our oceans: microfiber release from synthetic clothing. |
– Large list of NGOs and supporters involved in plastic pollution reduction + numerous other plastic pollution campaigns
– Position paper on microfiber release after washing with hard facts, figures and possible solutions – Interactive campaign timeline + infographics and facts linked to peer-reviewed studies/reports – Links to washing machine-based microfiber pollution prevention and recommendations for the textile industry on ways to reduce microplastic release, including handbook |
Committed to their goal of reducing up to 80% of microfiber emissions from synthetic clothing, by closing the loop of the fashion industry, Ocean Clean Wash has successfully gathered stakeholders from all levels of the value chain, to create a leading coalition, which is exploring, promoting and finding solutions to all steps of the product life cycle |
|
ReThink Plastic The Alliance works with European decision-makers to design and deliver policies solutions focused on 3 urgent action areas: reduction, redesign and better management of plastics. |
– Large library with downloadable infographics, reports, position papers and videos
– List of EU alliance members working on policy solutions |
Has engaged leading European NGOs, with thousands of active groups, supporters and citizens, across every EU Member State. |
|
#BePlasticWise A campaign focused on spreading awareness and sharing solutions that address the crisis of ocean plastic. |
– White paper on what packing industry can do
– YouTube channel with a variety of educational videos on plastic pollution, including a DIY video on hosting a shoreline cleanup – Pledge to #BePlasticWise and receive a monthly challenge and practical tips for reducing single-use plastic in our lives |
Diverted 37,000 bottles from recycling and landfills through no more plastic water bottles onsite. Removed 88, 721 kg of trash through clean-ups. Reached 133,000,000 people online. 155,002 participants in mobile education program. |
|
End Plastic Pollution A campaign focused on fundamentally changing human attitude and behavior about plastics and catalyzing a significant reduction in plastic pollution. |
– Use the plastic calculator to track how much plastic you use daily, monthly or yearly
– Download toolkits and find ways to reduce your plastic waste – Make a pledge to reduce your use of plastic – Stay updated on news about progress to fight plastic pollution |
At least 50 million people read the 5.5 million pages created on the campaign. Global media outlets with a combined audience of 450+ million people covered the campaign. In April 2018, #EndPlasticPollution had 15+ million social media reach. |
|
Stop Plastic Microfiber Pollution A petition, demanding that clothing companies take responsibility for the pollution their products cause. |
– Story of Microfibers film
– Downloadable annotated film script – Microfibers FAQ and research guide |
The petition has helped introduce the first-in-nation legislation, in California, to address plastic microfiber pollution. Nearly 40,000 people have signed the petition as of April 2019. |
