Plastic pollution is pervasive, affecting air, soil, and our bodies, while the plastics industry continues to ramp up production. Environmental lawyer Steven Feit discusses how plastics serve as a

Plastic pollution is pervasive, affecting air, soil, and our bodies, while the plastics industry continues to ramp up production. Environmental lawyer Steven Feit discusses how plastics serve as a growth strategy for the petroleum industry, despite a global shift away from fossil fuels. Oceanographer Sarah Jeanne Royer highlights the impact of microplastics on Hawaii's coasts, while retired teacher Sharon Lavigne combats pollution and environmental racism in her community, home to major plastic production facilities.

The documentary also features a photojournalist from Kenya raising awareness about single-use plastics and a chemist from Hamburg proposing solutions to the plastics crisis. Are industry leaders taking responsibility for plastic waste? Explore these pressing questions with DW Documentary. Subscribe to DW Documentary (English) at this link and DW Documental (Spanish) at this link.

Inspired by a picture book, Max Romey journeyed to a remote Alaskan beach for marine debris, discovering a more complex story. Five years prior, an ocean plastics cleanup on Kayak Island left him

Inspired by a picture book, Max Romey journeyed to a remote Alaskan beach for marine debris, discovering a more complex story. Five years prior, an ocean plastics cleanup on Kayak Island left him overwhelmed. While the issue remains intricate, sharing the "big picture" now helps him envision collaborative solutions.

Learn more through Max's videos: No Lost Shoe, Give A Beach A Bottle, and Trailbound Alaska.

Plastic pollutants are pervasive, found from the deep sea to the Arctic ice pack. Researchers estimate that by 2050, oceans will contain more plastic—by weight—than fish. These

Plastic pollutants are pervasive, found from the deep sea to the Arctic ice pack. Researchers estimate that by 2050, oceans will contain more plastic—by weight—than fish. These degrading plastics leach toxic chemicals, posing a serious threat to marine life and humans.

Filmmaker Chris Hanson's short film highlights this issue, following 17 Hawaiian students as they study the impact of plastic pollution on their local beaches.

UNEP has partnered with syndicated cartoonist Jim Toomey for a video series addressing ocean litter.

Trash, even from upstream, travels hundreds of miles to remote oceans, causing billions

UNEP has partnered with syndicated cartoonist Jim Toomey for a video series addressing ocean litter.

Trash, even from upstream, travels hundreds of miles to remote oceans, causing billions in damage and threatening marine life and human health.

The "Two Minutes on Oceans with Jim Toomey" series uses animation and humor to simplify complex scientific issues for the public. View additional videos at: www.rona.unep.org/toomey

On a remote North Pacific atoll, albatross chicks are dying, their bodies filled with plastic.

Chris Jordan's film, "Albatross," unflinchingly portrays this tragedy, while also inspiring a

On a remote North Pacific atoll, albatross chicks are dying, their bodies filled with plastic.

Chris Jordan's film, "Albatross," unflinchingly portrays this tragedy, while also inspiring a deep appreciation for life on Earth.

In Nevada's Thacker Pass, Indigenous tribes are battling powerful entities over a massive lithium mine by Lithium Americas. Backed by the Biden administration and General Motors, this project,

In Nevada's Thacker Pass, Indigenous tribes are battling powerful entities over a massive lithium mine by Lithium Americas. Backed by the Biden administration and General Motors, this project, vital for electric vehicles, exposes the dark side of the "green energy" transition, prioritizing profit over sacred land and local communities.

The documentary, "Thacker Pass - Mining the Sacred," by award-winning journalist Brandi Morin and filmmaker Geordie Day, chronicles the Indigenous resisters putting their freedom on the line. It was co-produced by Ricochet Media, IndigiNews, and The Real News Network.

The Real News is an independent, viewer-supported network. Support our in-depth coverage by subscribing or donating today. Sign up for our newsletter or donate.

Artist and documentarian Chris Jordan premiered his film ALBATROSS in Charleston, SC, alongside his "Midway" exhibition at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. Jordan aims to connect with and

Artist and documentarian Chris Jordan premiered his film ALBATROSS in Charleston, SC, alongside his "Midway" exhibition at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. Jordan aims to connect with and inspire audiences through his work.

The documentary explores Midway Atoll, an isolated Pacific island situated within the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It offers an intimate look at native Laysan albatrosses, whose existence is gravely threatened by global plastic waste.

Published December 2, 2025, by The New Press, "The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" by Judith Enck, Adam Mahoney, and Beyond Plastics is an

Published December 2, 2025, by The New Press, "The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" by Judith Enck, Adam Mahoney, and Beyond Plastics is an Amazon Editors' Pick. This powerful investigation reveals plastic's devastating impact on human health and the environment, from poisoned oceans and polluted air to microplastic contamination and environmental racism.

The book critically examines plastic's paradox, challenging the belief that recycling alone can solve the crisis. Instead, it debunks industry claims and emphasizes the urgent need for action, offering practical solutions like a "household waste audit" to empower readers. Learn more at: beyondplastics.org/publications/problem-with-plastic-book (ISBN: 9781620979457).