ADVOCACY

Better Policies Create Change

As one of the oldest and most established organizations focused on microplastic pollution research, the 5 Gyres Institute is at the forefront of driving impactful policies to reduce harm from plastic pollution. Our policy campaigns are led by a team of seasoned experts with networks in local and national decision-making bodies, and informed by research from our in-house science team and other leading institutions. We advocate for solutions to address microplastic pollution and plastic pollution in parks and protected areas, support other comprehensive legislation, and defend against bad plastics policies.

Notable Policy Advancements

  • Led the #BanTheBead campaign that helped pass The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015

  • Steered the trifecta win of Foodware Accessories Upon-Request in California (AB 1276) and the related local ordinances in Los Angeles City and Los Angeles County in 2022

  • Supported the creation and introduction of the Fighting Fibers Act of 2024 and Secretarial Order 3407 banning plastics in U.S. National Parks

The 5 Gyres Institute is also an active core member of Break Free From Plastic, Reusable LA, Clean Seas Coalition, Austin Reuse Coalition, and other working groups.

Our Campaigns

#MicroplasticFreeUS

A campaign to educate and urge our nation’s leaders to take bold action on microplastic pollution through science-backed solutions and policy interventions

#PlasticFreeParks

An annual community science project that tracks waste trends across U.S. National Parks and federal lands to support policy measures, like the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act