Hundreds of volunteers participated in first-ever International Plastic Pellet Count
From Wisconsin to Copacabana 52,458 plastic pellets were collected from beaches, streams, and lake shores.
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.
The Latest on Beyond plastic
Join us for the International Plastic Pellet Count on May 3rd
Ideas for Earth Day this year
Updates
Statewide phase out of polystyrene foam foodware passes out of Illinois Senate
Illinois Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act advances out of state House
Farewell to foam bill advances out of key Senate committee
Featured Resources
Trash in America
10 steps Whole Foods can immediately take to reduce single-use plastic
Reducing plastic waste in the states
Toolkit for The International Plastic Pellet Count
Did You Know?
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
Protecting the outdoors I love by reducing single-use plastic waste
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
The necessity of carving out a more sustainable future becomes ever more urgent
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
The more voices we have the better
The Latest
Type
After years of negotiations, state lawmakers consider measures to phase out plastic bags, foam food containers
The Chicago Tribune covered efforts to pass state legislation to address plastic pollution in Illinois.
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
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.
What happens to fish (and humans) when fish eat plastic?
Many fish eat microplastics. Here’s why and what we can do about it.
Are plastics recyclable?
We get a lot of questions about recycling, especially recycling plastics.