Reduce

Using less plastic in the first place: bans on needless items, lighter packaging and plastic-free choices.

Organization
Beyond Plastics

Bennington College, Vermont, USA | Founded 2019

US policy project that pairs plastics research with model legislation and training for local advocates.

Policy and advocacy Reduce
Organization
Break Free From Plastic

Founded 2016

Global movement of thousands of organizations; its brand audits identify which companies’ packaging is found most often in the environment.

Policy and advocacy Reduce
Organization
EndPlasticSoup (Rotary)

Amsterdam, Netherlands | Founded 2018

Rotary movement started by Amsterdam clubs in 2018 that mobilizes Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs worldwide to end plastic soup by 2050.

Education and community Policy and advocacy Reduce
Organization
GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives)

Network of grassroots groups building zero waste cities and fair work for waste pickers, as an alternative to burning plastic.

Collection and recycling Policy and advocacy Reduce
Organization
Plastic Free Foundation (Plastic Free July)

Perth, Australia | Founded 2011

Runs the Plastic Free July challenge, which millions of people join each year to cut single-use plastic at home, school and work.

Education and community Reduce
Organization
Plastic Pollution Coalition

Founded 2009

Alliance of organizations, businesses and individuals working for a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.

Education and community Policy and advocacy Reduce
Technology
Reuse and refill systems

Commercial, scaling

Returnable cups, food containers and refill stations replace single-use packaging entirely, with washing and logistics shared across businesses.

Reduce Reuse and refill
Organization
Seas & Straws

Bocas del Toro, Panama, and Germany | Founded 2018

Founded by eco warrior Jana Koebel: a plastic-free living and travel hub, plastic-free consulting for hotels, and on-the-ground recycling projects with One Earth One Ocean in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Collection and recycling Education and community Reduce
Organization
Surfrider Foundation

San Clemente, California, USA | Founded 1984

Coastal network whose chapters win local bag and foam bans and certify Ocean Friendly Restaurants that drop single-use plastic.

Education and community Policy and advocacy Reduce
Organization
Take 3 for the Sea

Australian movement asking everyone to pick up three pieces of rubbish whenever they leave the beach, a waterway or anywhere else.

Education and community Reduce
Technology
Washing machine microfibre filters

Commercial

Filters on washing machine outlets catch synthetic fibres shed by clothing before they reach wastewater and rivers.

Redesign and new materials Reduce
Organization
Zero Waste Europe

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels network helping European cities cut waste and shaping EU packaging and reuse rules.

Policy and advocacy Reduce Reuse and refill