Still No Global Plastics Treaty: Local Action More Critical Than Ever

United Nations led talks in Geneva aimed at crafting the first legally binding treaty to stop plastic pollution ended in deadlock last week. Oil-producing nations including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait blocked proposals to limit plastic production and control toxic additives, advocating instead for voluntary measures focused on waste management and recycling. Meanwhile, over 100 countries and their community members, scientists, and most impacted citizens pushed for legally binding reductions in plastics production, the elimination of hazardous chemicals, and financial support for frontline communities.

This was the third attempt at reaching an agreement. With global treaty efforts stalling yet again, what happens in our own backyard becomes even more critical. 

What Heal the Bay is Doing

• Advocating for bold plastic reduction policies: Heal the Bay continues to lead the charge for comprehensive plastic-waste reduction in Los Angeles. We have successfully expanded LA’s polystyrene ban, a policy we first helped pass in 2022. We are now championing the “Reuse for Dine-In” law, which mandates reusable foodware and drinkware across restaurants, cafes, and event venues.
• Pushing for stronger legislative action on plastic pollution: We are at the forefront of efforts to strengthen SB 54 regulations, holding corporations accountable for the plastic pollution they produce, and shifting the burden of cleanup to manufacturers instead of our communities. 
• Leading beach cleanups and data collection: Through our flagship beach cleanups, thousands of volunteers remove millions of plastic items from beaches before they reach our oceans. These cleanups also serve as data collection opportunities, which aid our scientists in informing stronger environmental laws.

How You Can Get Involved

• Join us for Coastal Cleanup Day on September 20, our largest day of volunteer action! Help remove thousands of pounds of trash and plastic from coastal areas, rivers, and inland sites. 
• Donate to Heal the Bay or attend our upcoming gala to fund essential anti-plastic initiatives that safeguard our oceans, beaches, and communities.
  

The failure in Geneva may feel like a setback, but it’s also a reminder: Collective global action is vital. But local leadership is where transformation begins. By driving change here at home, Heal the Bay is helping shift the tipping point toward a circular future one bottle, one cup, and one policy at a time.

More Resources:

Watch: Inside the UN Plastics Treaty Negotiations: Power, Protest, Plastic