Ocean Conservancy Spotlights U.S. Progress on Tackling Plastic Pollution

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): "United States of Plastics," a new research from The Ocean Conservancy, examines state-level initiatives to reduce plastic pollution in the United States. According to the report, every state has a crucial role to play in addressing the plastic pollution catastrophe, which calls for immediate national action.

On a five-star rating system, the average score for U.S. states was 1.5 stars, with 44 of the 50 states and Washington, D.C., receiving ratings lower than three stars. California received the highest ranking in the nation (4.5 stars) according to the rating system.

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The research notes that 12 states have phased out single-use plastic bags and 14 states have phased out expanded polystyrene foodware. Six states have laws supporting microplastics study and future action, while eleven states have passed legislation supporting money for reuse and reduction programs. Additionally, it stated that six states in the US have enacted EPR legislation for packaging.

Anja Brandon, Director of Plastics Policy at Ocean Conservancy stated that four in five Americans consider plastic pollution to be the most pressing issue facing oceans, yet only six states are being ranked as ‘good’ or above in its study. She expressed the hope that the report may inspire policy change and give a benchmark for states to measure their progress in combating plastic pollution in the years to come.