Back to plastic? No, thank you!

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Dear Friends of 5 Gyres,

We have a challenging time ahead of us, as proven by President Trump's post attacking paper straws and announcing a move to go "BACK TO PLASTIC!" He moved quickly and signed an executive order this week to reverse federal purchasing policies that restrict plastic straws.

While most of us are in agreement that paper straws aren't the best, reusable straws are. And with plastic pollution reaching unprecedented levels and threatening public health (FYI - it's in our brains!), now is not the time to roll back important policy measures.

While this move is undeniably frustrating, undoing years of important work, we are more energized than ever to drive innovative solutions to plastic pollution. Nothing has slowed us down over the last 15 years, and we won't stop now!

Support our Ongoing Work!

TrashBlitzing All Over the World

We co-published two regional TrashBlitz reports: Belize (with Sea of Life) and South Florida (with Clean Miami Beach). Both reports had some striking similarities. The predominant material identified was plastic, with single-use items leading the findings. Among the top 10 items in both Belize and South Florida were bottles, bottle caps, food wrappers, cups, and utensils. This regional data is a powerful tool in advocating for local change.

Supporting 5 Gyres Ambassadors

We are constantly inspired by the work of our global Ambassador network. The Ambassador Action Fund is a new way to support the work of Ambassadors in our focus areas: science, advocacy, and TrashBlitz. Three Ambassadors will be awarded a stipend, along with additional support, mentorship, and resources from 5 Gyres experts. Spread the word - applications close on Friday!

Celebrating a Frontline Victory

Alongside the Clean Seas Coalition and CLCAF, we co-hosted a powerful evening in Sacramento to celebrate the long-fought victory of closing California’s last incinerator. Over 200 attendees joined a screening of Burning Injustice, followed by a thought-provoking panel. Burning Injustice follows two Latino activists exposing the devastating health and environmental consequences of incineration on frontline communities. Learn more about the film here.

Partner Bulletin

Bottleless Nation, a driving force behind businesses going bottleless nationwide, is a new Cause Partner! Read about our new partnership here.
Nomadix, an adventure towel company that operates under the tagline “Own Less. Do More.”, also joined us as a new Cause Partner. We have some exciting things planned, so stay tuned for more!
ChicoBag launched a new collection to support our annual Plastic-Free Parks campaign. Show off your commitment to preserving our most treasured spaces!
Did you catch Liquid Death’s Super Bowl ad? The commercial reached 125 million people, ending with an iconic frame that read #DeathToPlastic.
Junk Theory’s CEO will join Plastic Pollution Coalition’s upcoming webinar about small businesses committed to plastic reduction. Register here!
Klean Kanteen responds to President Trump’s executive order on straws: “Might we recommend a reusable option?”
A big thank you to Insight Global, who raised $4,000 for 5 Gyres through their annual Jobs & Joy campaign!

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P.O. Box 5699

Santa Monica, CA 90409

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