Beyond plastic

To spare birds, fish and other wildlife from the harm caused by plastic pollution, we’re raising our voices for a world with less single-use plastic products.

Maybe you’ve seen the video of a sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nose, or the headlines about whales washing ashore with stomachs full of plastic. With so much plastic pollution floating in the ocean, it’s too easy for wildlife to mistake it for food — and too often, they pay the price with their lives. The good news is that more people, communities, states and companies are moving away from the single-use plastics we don’t even need. Because after all, nothing we use for a few minutes should pollute our environment and threaten wildlife for hundreds of years.

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Scientists have found plastic fragments in 44% of all seabird species, 43% of all marine mammal species and 100% of sea turtle species.

I'm creating a better future for the people and the ecosystems that depend on clean water. Margaret Groszek, Environment Illinois Intern
I am moved to contribute to Environment Illinois because I know that governmental policy is at the root of many of our environmental difficulties. Now that I am a grandparent, the necessity of carving out a more sustainable future becomes ever more urgent. Nick Bridge, Member, Environment Illinois
I support Environment Illinois because it addresses local and national issues, and it works collaboratively with other organizations. The more voices we have the better. I encourage people who want to help the environment to find an issue they’re passionate about and start there—you can make change. Julie Moller, Member, Environment Illinois

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A day in the life: Plastic reduction lobby day 2025

Beyond plastic

A day in the life: Plastic reduction lobby day 2025

Fifty community leaders, environmentalists and constituents convened in Springfield to advocate for policies to reduce single-use plastic across Illinois. Hear about the day from the perspective of Environment Illinois’ Outreach & Engagement Manager.

Guide to organizing a kid’s clothing swap

Green living

Guide to organizing a kid’s clothing swap

Want to refresh your growing kid's clothes in a fun, free, and environmentally-friendly way? Follow our guide to organize a kid's clothing swap with other families in your community.

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