Dear John,

In this season of reflection, we’re especially grateful for all of the brilliant work and collaborations we’ve been a part of this past year—efforts that keep our movement alive and our coalition and community energized.

This past month brought two exciting milestones:

Our first-ever Plastic Pollution Solutions Expo – an open-market style event featuring Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) Business Members Ahimsa, Cruz Foam, Ettitude, Notpla, and many more. Our Expo was designed to generate curiosity and help inspire familiarity with upstream solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.

TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch brought together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across industries to address the urgent crisis of plastic pollution. We heard from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and experts including Dr. Marcus Eriksen, Suzanne Smoke, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., and many, many more. The event was amazing and we’ll be sharing links to the talks very soon!

In case you missed it:

Five winners of our horror short film competition Plastic Kills… Again! were announced last month. And if you missed our major report launch, How Plastics Fuel Wildfires & How to Rebuild Better, check it out here.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement as we tell the truth about plastic pollution and amplify real solutions. Wishing you & yours a healthy and happy holiday season from all of us at PPC.

With Gratitude,

Jen Fela
Vice President, Programs & Communications
Plastic Pollution Coalition

P.S. Please consider supporting us for Giving Tuesday—every donation matters and helps fund our critical work during these uncertain times.

★ Plastic Pollution Solutions Expo: Recap
On Nov. 7, Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) hosted our first-ever Plastic Pollution Solutions Expo, an open-format, walk-through event designed to bring together a diverse audience to stimulate knowledge sharing and provide exposure for upstream solutions. From regenerative materials for textiles and packaging to stainless steel reuse systems, leaders and innovators like PPC Business Members Ahimsa, Cruz Foam, Ettitude, GOB, LOLIWARE, and Notpla were there, among others. Check out the Expo highlights in our latest blog.

★ Plastic Kills… Again! | Film Contest Winners Announced
Five winners of our horror short film competition Plastic Kills… Again! were announced late last month. We were delighted to see films come in from all across the globe, with entries from Argentina, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States. We want to applaud all the creators who stepped up to the plate and delivered sustainable and spooky short films. Read the winner announcement here.

★ Impact Report: Filtered Not Bottled Grantees Advance Safe Drinking Water Without Plastic Pollution
PPC’s Filtered Not Bottled Grant Program distributed $100K to ten nonprofit organizations advancing access to safe water in their communities impacted by lead pipes across six U.S. states. Grantees distributed nearly 900 water filters, reached 25 million people in their communications, and prioritized engagement with underserved populations, including non-English speakers, renters, and youth. Learn more.

★ Using the Law to Challenge Big Plastic
The law can help hold the plastic industry accountable for its pollution and harm, writes Scott Hochberg, General Counsel and Litigation Director at Earth Island Institute. When connected to effective social movements and advocacy, litigation has the power to stop companies’ use of greenwashing and can uncover other tactics they use to avoid taking responsibility. Learn more.

➤ Find more Latest News on our website.

★ New Book: “The Problem With Plastic”
Must-read alert! “The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late” by our friends at Beyond Plastics is a critical handbook for how each of us can help tackle the plastic pollution crisis. The book will be released on December 2 by The New Press, but you can pre-order your copy HERE.

★ UP Scorecard Webinar: Getting the Most Out of Reuse
Join experts in this free webinar hosted by UP (Understanding Packaging) Scorecard on December 2, 2025 at 10:00 am CT to learn more about the health and environmental impacts of different reusable food packaging and foodware, regulatory requirements, and examples of re-use in action. Register here.

★ 5 Gyres is Seeking an Executive Director
5 Gyres is seeking a visionary Executive Director who will lead the strategic vision for the organization, report to the Board of Directors, and be responsible for doubling capacity and impact over the next five years. The successful candidate will be a bold advocate, a skilled movement builder, a proven fundraiser, and a strategic leader who can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes. This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected, science-based organization through transformative growth during a critical window. Apply here.

★ Tell Celestial Seasonings to Make Its Tea Plastic-Free
Steeping one bag of tea can release billions of micro-and nanoplastics—turning a hot and cozy beverage into a serious health risk. Join PPC and the Center for Environmental Health in calling on Celestial Seasonings, one of the largest tea companies in the world, to use plastic-free tea bags. Sign the petition.

➤ Visit our website for more Resources, Events, and Ways to Take Action.