Plastic Campaign and Policy Resources

Plastic Bag Law Activist Toolkit (2019)

Our Plastic Bag Law Activist Toolkit provides a comprehensive look at the harms of plastic carryout bags, recommended ordinance structures, important clauses to include, effectiveness data, how to spearhead a community movement, and the threat of preemption. 

Comprehensive Foodware Policy Toolkit (2020)   

After over a decade of successfully advocating for and passing plastic policies such as bag, straw, and EPS bans, the Surfrider Foundation is turning towards the next generation of foodware bills that address plastic pollution in a more holistic and innovative manner. Foodware makes up a large proportion of solid waste and litter. This guide addresses how comprehensive foodware laws are the next step in making a larger impact. Learn more about foodware accessories upon request policies here. 

Plastic Straws Activist Toolkit (2018)

This toolkit was created to provide resources, strategies, and examples for Surfrider chapters and clubs to start or move forward with a straw program in their community. In this guide, you will find a process to achieve straw reduction goals that is based on the work that many chapters have started to carry out across the country.

EPR Factsheet

After bags, foam, straws, and other foodware have been addressed, there is still a lot of plastic packaging in circulation, including much of the packaging on store shelves. This includes yogurt cups, chip bags, bread bags, films that cover perishable goods, like hummus, and so much more. 

One solution for addressing this packaging is Extended Producer Responsibility, also known as EPR or producer responsibility. EPR for packaging laws ensures that producers — meaning manufacturers and brands — bear the responsibility for the cost of recycling and disposing of their plastic products, as well as for cleanup. Learn more Learn about this topic here.

Bioplastics Toolkit (2021)

This toolkit is a resource for those looking for information and guidance on bioplastics. It also includes clarification and additional information on policies and legislation regarding marketing plastic products as biodegradable or compostable.

The Surfrider Foundation calls on local governments, state legislatures and the federal government to adopt common-sense laws prohibiting the intentional release of all balloons, including those with mylar or labeled as “biodegradable.” Such laws should also include lanterns, glitter and confetti, which are also made primarily of plastic. Learn about the issue and how you can be a part of the solution by reading Surfrider's 1-pager and the Balloon Policy Toolkit! 

Cigarettes

Surfrider Foundation's Hold On To Your Butt program raises awareness about the environmental impact of cigarette butt litter on our ocean, waves, and beaches, and to help eliminate cigarette butt litter at the beach and in the ocean. To learn more please visit our Beachapedia page. We are also supporting ordinances that prevent cigarette butt litter on the beach.

Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces that can be identified by the eye (~5mm) to smaller particles (<1mm) that require special techniques and instruments for identification and classification. They have been found everywhere — from remote areas of the globe to even inside our own bodies — and their microscopic size is creating immense challenges and wreaking havoc on the planet. We’ve been working on reducing the discharge nurdles, microplastics in drinking water, and microfibers, among other microplastic issues.