Support The Global Treaty To Stop Plastic From Poisoning Our Planet’s Oceans
543 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: Free The Ocean
Plastic pollution is poisoning our oceans, communities, and bodies—destroying lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Stand up and speak out for a Global Plastics Treaty!
Plastic pollution is overwhelming our planet, with devastating impacts on ecosystems, human health, and marginalized communities. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, killing marine life, contaminating our food and water, and harming those least equipped to deal with its impacts. The Global Plastics Treaty, supported by 175 countries1, is our best opportunity to make a real difference, but time is running out. We need a strong, legally binding treaty that tackles plastic pollution from every angle. Here’s why—and how you can help.
Cut Plastic Production by 75%
The plastic crisis begins long before disposal. Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually2, much of it designed to be used once and discarded. If left unchecked, plastic production could double by 2050, creating environmental destruction that will be irreversible. Reducing plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 will not only decrease waste but also prevent the toxic chemicals released during manufacturing from polluting our air and water. A reduction of this magnitude is essential to prevent the worst impacts of plastic pollution on our climate and our health3.
Demand Transparency and Hold Polluters Accountable
For too long, corporations have avoided accountability for the pollution their plastic creates. A strong Global Plastics Treaty would require full transparency from every plastic producer, user, and exporter. By enforcing clear reporting on plastic production, use, import, and export, this treaty would hold the world’s biggest polluters responsible for the waste they generate and enable governments and citizens to push for better alternatives. Only by knowing the full scope of plastic pollution can we truly address it4.
Fight for Environmental Justice
Plastic pollution disproportionately harms marginalized and low-income communities, who are often the most affected by plastic waste and lack the infrastructure to manage it5. These communities bear the brunt of plastic’s health risks, economic losses, and environmental damage. A strong Global Plastics Treaty would address these inequities directly, ensuring that marginalized communities are prioritized in waste management solutions and have a seat at the table. Environmental justice is not just an ideal—it’s a necessity in the fight against plastic pollution.
Help Secure a Livable Future for All
The Global Plastics Treaty is our chance to create a future where our oceans, air, and land are no longer littered with plastic. This treaty can ensure cleaner oceans, healthier communities, and a livable planet for future generations. But to be effective, it must be robust, enforceable, and ambitious.
We’re urging the United Nations Environmental Assembly to finalize a treaty that addresses the plastic crisis at every stage of its life cycle—production, use, and disposal. The time to act is now, and your voice can make a difference.
Sign the petition for a strong Global Plastics Treaty. By signing, you’re joining millions around the world in demanding real, lasting change. Together, we can secure a future free from the harms of plastic pollution.
- World Wildlife Fund Inc. (2024), "Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution."
- Plastic Oceans (2022), "Plastic Pollution Facts."
- Pacific Environment (25 May 2023), "New report calls for at least 75% reduction of plastics by 2050, reveals dire connection between plastic and climate."
- Philip Landrigana, Christos Symeonides, Hervé Raps, Sarah Dunlop, The Lancet (16 December 2023), "The global plastics treaty: why is it needed?."
- UN Environment Programme (30 March 2021), "Plastic pollution is an environmental injustice to vulnerable communities – new report."
The Petition:
To the United Nations Environment Assembly,
We, the undersigned, urge you to enact a strong, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty. The world is at a critical juncture, facing the escalating crisis of plastic pollution that threatens the health of our oceans, wildlife, and communities. This treaty is our best opportunity to reverse this damage and secure a sustainable future for all.
A strong global plastics treaty would:
- Reduce Plastic Production: By mandating a 75% reduction in plastic production by 2040, the treaty would tackle pollution at its source. Limiting production will prevent billions of tons of waste from reaching our oceans, shores, and communities, cutting down on environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Hold Polluters Accountable: The treaty must demand transparency from all major producers, users, and importers of plastics. Requiring corporations and countries to report plastic production, use, and exports will ensure the world’s largest polluters are held accountable, driving global standards for sustainable and responsible plastic use.
- Address Inequities: Plastic pollution disproportionately impacts marginalized communities that lack the infrastructure to manage plastic waste. Low-income and coastal communities bear the brunt of plastic pollution’s harms, from health risks to economic losses. This treaty can promote environmental justice by ensuring that these communities are prioritized in solutions, fostering greater global equity.
By reducing plastic production, enforcing transparency, and addressing these inequities, a strong Global Plastics Treaty will secure a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations. We must act now to end the plastic crisis and protect our planet’s resources and the health of its people.
For a better, cleaner, and fairer future, we call on the UN Environmental Assembly to lead the way with a strong, enforceable treaty.
Sincerely,
