Students that Oppose Plastic (STOP) Pollution

Youth activists and the Plastic Free WA/WA Sin Plástico have created a letter calling on the Washington state legislature to address our plastic and waste problem and establish a producer responsibility program for all packaging to reduce waste and improve recycling access and outcomes in our state. Nearly 300 students have joined this call. Add your name here!

Even if you cannot yet vote, making sure legislators hear your voice is critical in driving policy. Youth testimony is extremely powerful and important, so emailing, letter-writing, or calling your legislator can be a simple way to take action. For information and advice on contacting your legislator, review this how-to document.

During the state legislative session, get involved with a Plastic Free WA or another groups lobby day, in which you  can travel to the state capitol (or Zoom in remotely) and talk directly with your legislators about the plastic pollution problem. Our coalions most recent lobby day included nearly 40 of students from across the state. Stay tuned for news about upcoming events with our social media pages!

An important part of addressing plastic pollution is cleaning up the trash in our own communities. Join a local clean-up/work party, or organize your own! Check out our team member's websites to learn about upcoming events. 

Often, there are organizations dedicated to a healthy environment that you can join in your local community or school: try to get involved! Our coalition members also have excellent youth volunteer opportunities, like the Seattle Aquariums Youth Ocean Advocates program. 

Simply raising awareness of the risk of plastic pollution can be a great way to inspire progress. Actions can be as easy as sharing information or actions with friends or as professional as submitting a written Op-Ed or Letter-to-the-Editor to a local newspaper (which you can find tips on in this how-to document).