This resolution officially designates July 2025 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month" to raise awareness and encourage national efforts to combat the growing crisis of plastic waste.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This resolution officially designates July 2025 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month" to raise national awareness about the growing crisis of plastic pollution. It acknowledges the severe environmental and health risks posed by plastic waste, including its impact on wildlife and human bodies. The measure encourages individuals and communities across the United States to actively participate in efforts to reduce, reuse, and clean up plastic pollution during this designated month.
Congress Designates July 2025 as 'Plastic Pollution Action Month,' Highlighting Massive Waste Problem
This resolution formally designates July 2025 as “Plastic Pollution Action Month,” making a clear statement about the severity of the plastic crisis. Essentially, Congress is using this resolution to shine a spotlight on the fact that the U.S. currently recycles only about 4 to 6 percent of its plastic, while the rest piles up in landfills, gets burned, or ends up in our oceans. The goal is to encourage a national recommitment to reducing plastic waste throughout that month and beyond.
The Problem: More Than Just Ocean Trash
This isn't just about sad sea turtles; the resolution connects plastic pollution directly to human health. It notes that scientists are finding microplastics—tiny plastic particles—in human blood, lungs, and even placentas, estimating that some people might be swallowing up to 1.5 million microplastic particles daily. For the average person, this means the single-use plastic container you grab for lunch isn’t just a waste problem; it’s becoming a health issue that hits close to home. The resolution cites data showing that over 12 million tons of plastic flow into the ocean yearly from land sources alone.
Why July 2025?
By designating July 2025, the resolution aims to create a focal point for national action, piggybacking on existing efforts like the annual “Plastics Free July” challenge. The Senate is actively encouraging individuals and organizations across the country to participate in cleanups, switch to reusable items, and generally cut down on plastic consumption. Think of it as a national nudge: for one month, everyone is asked to focus on the small choices—like bringing your own coffee mug or skipping the plastic straw—that collectively make a huge difference in reducing the 40 percent of plastic production that currently goes into single-use items.
Impact Check: What Does a Resolution Actually Do?
It’s important to note that a resolution is non-binding; it doesn't create new laws, levy taxes, or ban anything. It’s a formal declaration and a call to action. For the public, it raises awareness and validates existing environmental concerns. For the plastics manufacturing industry, this resolution signals growing political and public pressure regarding their production methods and reliance on single-use items. While it doesn't force change, it does put the issue squarely on the national agenda, potentially paving the way for future legislation that would mandate changes in recycling infrastructure or production standards.