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The results are in… and PLASTIC is once again crowned the top polluter in our national parks!

Our 2025 Plastic-Free Parks report ([link removed]) was published today, revealing results from an analysis of 23,663 items from 59 sites around the country. According to data submitted by volunteers (thanks to all who participated this year!), plastic is the most prevalent material polluting national parks for the fourth year in a row, making up nearly 85% of waste recorded in 2025.
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For more insights, view the full report here ([link removed]) !

Plastic has reigned as the top polluter since we started the campaign in 2021, but this year was the first that looked beyond single-use plastic items to quantify a nearly invisible threat – microplastics. Volunteers logged pre-production plastic pellets (AKA “nurdles”) and plastic fragments at trails, riverbeds, and coastlines across the United States, with these items making up more than half of all items recorded.

This data further underscores the pervasive impact of microplastics, supporting our ongoing efforts to advocate for a Microplastic-Free U.S. ([link removed]) YOU can help the cause by contacting your elected officials ([link removed]) , joining the Plastic-Free Parks project next year ([link removed]) , or donating to support work that drives real solutions ([link removed]) .
Donate for Plastic-Free Parks! ([link removed])

P.S. Everyone who donates $15 ([link removed]) to celebrate 15 years of 5 Gyres will be entered to win a special 5 Gyres goody bag with branded products from Nomadix, Klean Kanteen, ChicoBag, and more!

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