Policy

Groups and civil society organizations around the world are calling for a Plastics Treaty that reclaims our right to a healthy environment.

This August: A Crucial Chance to End the Age of Plastic. From August 5 - 14, governments from around the world will gather in Geneva to negotiate a historic global treaty to end plastic pollution. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to confront the plastic crisis at its source.

We are calling on citizens from around the world to contact their country’s Minister at the negotiations and ask them to adopt a strong Plastics Treaty that can ensure a future free from plastic pollution.

Daily summary of the second part of the fifth round of #PlasticsTreaty Negotiations (INC-5.2) in Geneva, Switzerland

The 1123 Busan Plastic March will be held prior to the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee Meeting (INC-5, BEXCO, Busan, Nov. 25-Dec. 1) to raise our voice to urge government delegations to implement a strong and effective internationally legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.

Developed in consultation with climate policy advocates, financial analysts and communities on the frontlines of petrochemical production, this guide explains how financial institutions can consider the impact of petrochemicals as part of their environmental and social risk frameworks, and develop their approach for a responsible exit from the petrochemical supply chain.

The next European Union Elections are scheduled to take place between 6 and 9 June 2024. EU citizens will turn to the ballot boxes to decide which Members of the European Parliament (MEP’s) will represent and advocate for the concerns of constituents at the EU level.

Plastic waste trade creates immeasurable harm to society, health and the environment that is felt disproportionately across the world, and has been happening for decades.

On March 2, 2022, the United Nations approved a landmark agreement to create the world’s first-ever global plastics pollution treaty, adopted upon the conclusion of the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2).

The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 (BFFPPA) builds on successful statewide laws across the U.S. and outlines practical plastic reduction strategies to realize a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future.

Pass a national ban on single-use plastic! We are calling on the 19th Congress of the Philippines to urgently pass a comprehensive bill banning single-use plastic packaging and products.

Waste trade is the international trade of waste between countries for further treatment, disposal, or recycling. Often, toxic or hazardous wastes are exported by developed countries to developing countries, such as those in Asia Pacific. Since 1988, more than a quarter of a billion tonnes of plastic waste has been exported around the world.

This report outlines how the linear production, disposal and pollution of single-use plastics can become a thing of the past by facilitating the rise of modern-day, smart reusable systems that preserve our finite resources, and protect our natural environments.

B.A.N. List 2.0 analyzes data from the entire United States using the same sources to find the top 20 polluting products or packaging. This report also provides a call-to-action to phase out the most polluting plastic products used in the United States.

This report continues GAIA’s research on the effects of China’s National Sword policy and the broader implications of plastic pollution as the world attempts to adjust to a new landscape of global plastic recycling. As the crisis deepens, this report focuses on three countries in Southeast Asia, and particularly the stories of people.

This report shows the need to better examine the limits of plastic packaging in reducing food waste overall, and identifies real innovation among those who eschew all forms of waste.

Plastic takes up a large percentage of the waste handled by waste pickers. Consequently, they are one of the most vulnerable occupation groups that stand to be impacted by the global plastics treaty. The treaty must establish the legal frameworks required to improve working conditions for waste pickers.

Plastic contains toxic chemicals that leach into our food, water, and soil. Out of about 10,000 chemicals used as plastic additives, few have been widely studied, let alone regulated. A treaty must address plastic’s toxic burden.

Plastic is a significant contributor to climate change throughout its lifecycle. By 2050, emissions from plastic alone will take up over a third of the remaining carbon budget for a 1.5 °C target. A plastics treaty must impose legally-binding plastic reduction targets.