Target joins growing list of companies committed to reducing plastic use

The natural world is choking on our single-use plastic waste. But after years of sustained advocacy, the tide may be turning.

Case in point: In June, Target — one of the world’s largest retailers — committed to cutting the use of virgin plastic by 20 percent by 2025 across its own branded products, as part of a broader sustainability strategy called Target Forward. The company joins Walmart, Coca-Cola and Mattel in making commitments in the past year to slash virgin plastic use.

“America’s wildlife, from whales and sea turtles to bird species everywhere, are choking on plastic and starving as the waste fills their bellies,” said Steve Blackledge, senior director of Environment America’s Conservation America campaign. “It’s good to see Target take an important step forward. Now a ‘target’ is on its back, and we look forward to it realizing this commitment.”

Goals like these are just the first step; it’s the job of groups like ours to ensure that companies follow through.

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