About
Beyond Plastics is a nationwide advocacy and education organization working to end plastic pollution. Launched in January 2019 by Judith Enck, a former regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the project pairs deep environmental policy expertise with grassroots organizing to address the health, climate, and environmental impacts of plastics.
Mission
Beyond Plastics exists to end plastic pollution everywhere. The organization works to educate policymakers, businesses, and the public about the plastic pollution crisis, pressure businesses to eliminate single-use plastics, train student leaders, and block the construction of new plastic manufacturing and incineration facilities.
What they do
- Runs national campaigns against single-use plastics, including investigations of corporate greenwashing such as misleading claims about recyclable cups
- Advocates for stronger regulation, including EPA oversight of pyrolysis (so-called chemical recycling) facilities and strengthening the Toxic Substances Control Act
- Organizes a nationwide network of grassroots volunteers through Local Groups and Affiliates
- Produces reports on plastic industry practices, community screening toolkits, webinars, and training programs for advocates
- Published the book The Problem with Plastic: How to Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late
History
Beyond Plastics launched in January 2019, founded by Judith Enck and based at Bennington College in Vermont. It has since grown into a national movement, and in July 2026 the organization announced its 200th Local Group and Affiliate.
Scale and impact
Beyond Plastics reports a network of more than 200 Local Groups and Affiliates across the country as of July 2026. Its advisory board includes 15 members, among them 350.org founder Bill McKibben and representatives of the Sierra Club and the Conservation Law Foundation. The organization emphasizes environmental justice, noting that plastic pollution disproportionately burdens people of color, and works in solidarity with affected communities.
Governance
Judith Enck serves as President, supported by a staff that includes a policy director, national organizing director, and managing director. Beyond Plastics Inc is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 42-2215678), listed in Albany, New York; donations are tax-deductible. As a recently recognized exempt entity, it does not yet have Form 990 financial filings available in ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer.