Plastic Free July: Nonprofits Dedicated to Reducing Plastic Waste

This month is Plastic Free July, a global movement that began in 2011.
The event invites individuals and communities worldwide to take part in a challenge: to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics and make more sustainable choices throughout the month of July.
By participating in Plastic Free July, you are joining millions of people who are committed to creating a cleaner, healthier planet by tackling the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. This is an opportunity to raise awareness, inspire change, and discover creative alternatives to single-use plastics.
As part of the effort to reduce plastic waste, here is a list of nonprofits at the forefront of combatting the problems with the use of plastic.
Alliance to End Plastic Waste
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is a non-profit organization launched in January 2019 to eliminate plastic waste and promote a circular economy for plastics. It is a global alliance of nearly 50 member companies across the plastics value chain, including chemical and plastic manufacturers, consumer goods companies, retailers, and waste management companies.
The alliance recognizes plastic waste as a pressing environmental issue requiring various stakeholders' collaborative action. Its members are committed to investing in and implementing solutions to help end plastic waste, particularly in the areas where it is most prevalent, such as in developing countries where waste management infrastructure may be lacking.
The alliance focuses on four strategic areas:
- Infrastructure: The alliance aims to support the development of waste management systems and infrastructure in regions that are heavily affected by plastic waste. This includes promoting the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of plastic waste.
- Innovation: The alliance seeks to facilitate the development of new technologies, business models, and materials that can help reduce plastic waste and enable the transition to a circular economy. This involves supporting research and development efforts and promoting collaboration among members and external partners.
- Education and Engagement: The alliance recognizes the importance of raising awareness and changing behaviors to address the plastic waste issue. It supports educational initiatives and engages with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to promote responsible plastic use and waste management practices.
- Clean-up: The alliance is committed to supporting and participating in projects and initiatives that aim to remove plastic waste from the environment. This includes beach clean-ups, river clean-ups, and other activities aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans and waterways.
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has committed over $1.5 billion to its mission over a period of five years (2019-2023). It collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to maximize its impact and drive systemic change in how plastics are used and managed worldwide.
The Story of Stuff Project
The Story of Stuff Project is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that aims to raise awareness and inspire action on consumption, sustainability, and social and environmental justice issues. The organization was founded by Annie Leonard in 2007, following the success of her viral online video called "The Story of Stuff," which explored the lifecycle of material goods and their impact on the planet.
The Story of Stuff Project uses storytelling, multimedia, and educational resources to engage and inform people about the environmental and social impacts of our consumption patterns. They believe that understanding the interconnectedness of systems, such as production, consumption, and waste, is crucial for creating a more sustainable and just society.
The organization focuses on various thematic areas, including:
- Consumerism: The Story of Stuff Project examines the negative consequences of excessive consumerism, such as overconsumption, waste generation, and depletion of natural resources. They encourage individuals to rethink their consumption habits and make more sustainable choices.
- Plastics and Pollution: The organization addresses the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and human health. They advocate for reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling and waste management practices, and supporting policies prioritizing environmental sustainability.
- Climate Change: The Story of Stuff Project highlights the connection between our consumption patterns and climate change. They aim to educate people about the carbon footprint of different products and advocate for systemic changes that prioritize renewable energy and sustainable practices.
- Social and Environmental Justice: The organization emphasizes the importance of social and environmental justice in achieving a sustainable future. They explore issues such as fair trade, workers' rights, environmental racism, and the impacts of extractive industries on marginalized communities.
The Story of Stuff Project provides educational materials, including videos, lesson plans, and guides for free on their website. They also engage in advocacy efforts, collaborate with other organizations, and promote grassroots initiatives that align with their mission.
Plastic Oceans International
Plastic Oceans International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans and working towards finding solutions to address this global problem.
The organization was founded in 2009 by Jo Ruxton and Craig Leeson, following the production of their award-winning documentary film, "A Plastic Ocean."
Plastic Oceans International focuses on the following key areas:
- Education and Advocacy: The organization aims to educate individuals, communities, and decision-makers about the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health. They engage in advocacy efforts to promote policy changes and initiatives that reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
- Scientific Research: Plastic Oceans International supports and conducts scientific research to better understand the extent and consequences of plastic pollution in the world's oceans. They collaborate with scientists, universities, and research institutions to gather data and provide evidence-based solutions.
- Film and Media: Building on their documentary film, Plastic Oceans International uses film and media as powerful tools to raise awareness and inspire action. They produce films, documentaries, and short videos that highlight the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on marine life and ecosystems.
- Youth Engagement: The organization recognizes the importance of involving and empowering young people in the fight against plastic pollution. They develop educational programs and initiatives that engage students and youth organizations to create awareness, inspire behavioral change, and foster future environmental leaders.
- Corporate Engagement: Plastic Oceans International works with businesses and corporations to promote sustainable practices, reduce plastic waste in their operations, and support the development of innovative solutions. They collaborate with companies to raise awareness and develop sustainable business models that minimize plastic pollution.
Through its various initiatives and partnerships, Plastic Oceans International seeks to inspire individuals, organizations, and governments to take action and implement long-term solutions to reduce and ultimately eliminate plastic pollution.
Ocean Blue Project
The Ocean Blue Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the world's oceans and waterways.
Founded in 2012 by Richard and Shelly Timeus, the organization is based in the United States and operates globally.
The Ocean Blue Project focuses on several key areas:
- Beach and River Cleanup: The organization organizes and leads beach and river cleanup events to remove trash and debris from coastal areas and waterways. They engage volunteers in these cleanup efforts, raising awareness about the impact of marine pollution and promoting responsible waste management practices.
- Ecological Restoration: The Ocean Blue Project implements projects to restore and rehabilitate coastal ecosystems, such as dunes, wetlands, and estuaries. By undertaking habitat restoration initiatives, they aim to improve the health and resilience of marine ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
- Water Quality Monitoring: The organization conducts water quality testing and monitoring programs to assess various water bodies' health and pollution levels. This data helps identify areas of concern and supports advocacy efforts for improved water quality standards and pollution prevention.
- Education and Outreach: The Ocean Blue Project strongly emphasizes education and community outreach. They develop educational programs, workshops, and presentations to raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable practices. They also collaborate with schools and community organizations to engage and inspire future generations to become ocean stewards.
- Research and Innovation: The organization supports initiatives to understand and address ocean health challenges. They collaborate with scientists and researchers to develop innovative solutions and technologies that promote conservation and restoration efforts.
The Ocean Blue Project relies on volunteers, partnerships, and donations to accomplish its mission. They encourage individuals and communities to get involved through volunteering, participating in cleanup events, and supporting their initiatives.
The Ocean Cleanup
The Ocean Cleanup is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 by Dutch inventor and entrepreneur Boyan Slat. The organization aims to develop advanced technologies to remove plastic pollution from the world's oceans.
The Ocean Cleanup focuses on the following key areas:
- System Development: The organization designs and develops systems and technologies to remove ocean plastic waste. Their flagship project, "System 001," also known as "The Interceptor," is an autonomous floating device that uses the ocean's natural currents to collect and concentrate plastic debris for extraction.
- Research and Development: The Ocean Cleanup invests in research and development efforts to continually improve its systems and technologies. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and oceanographers to better understand the dynamics of plastic pollution and develop innovative solutions.
- Deployment and Cleanup Operations: The organization conducts deployment and cleanup operations in areas heavily affected by plastic pollution. They target oceanic gyres, where plastic debris accumulates due to ocean currents. By strategically deploying their systems, they aim to intercept and remove large amounts of plastic waste.
- Recycling and Sustainability: The Ocean Cleanup recognizes the importance of recycling and sustainable waste management practices. They explore ways to efficiently process and recycle the collected plastic waste to prevent it from re-entering the ocean. They also advocate for sustainable practices, raise awareness about the need to reduce single-use plastics and promote a circular economy.
The Ocean Cleanup's work has gained significant attention and support globally. They rely on a combination of private donations, corporate sponsorships, and partnerships to fund their operations and research efforts. They aim to clean up existing plastic pollution and contribute to long-term solutions that prevent further accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans.
Plastic Tides
Plastic Tides is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about plastic pollution and promotes solutions through adventure, education, and community engagement.
The organization was founded in 2013 by Christian Shaw and Gordon Middleton, two outdoor enthusiasts who were inspired to take action after witnessing the extent of plastic pollution during a stand-up paddleboarding expedition.
Plastic Tides focuses on three primary areas:
- Adventure: The organization uses stand-up paddleboarding and other adventure-based activities as a platform to explore, document, and raise awareness about plastic pollution in waterways. They embark on expeditions in various locations, showcasing plastic pollution's environmental and human health impacts.
- Education: Plastic Tides is committed to educating communities, schools, and individuals about the issue of plastic pollution and the importance of adopting sustainable practices. They offer educational programs, workshops, and presentations focusing on plastic pollution prevention, waste reduction, and promoting a circular economy.
- Community Engagement: The organization emphasizes the power of community action in addressing plastic pollution. They collaborate with local communities, businesses, and organizations to organize clean-up events, promote sustainable practices, and inspire collective efforts to reduce plastic waste. Plastic Tides also encourages individuals to become "Plastic Tides Ambassadors" who champion the cause in their own communities.
Through their programs and initiatives, Plastic Tides aims to inspire behavior change, promote eco-conscious lifestyles, and drive advocacy for policy changes related to plastic waste management and pollution prevention. They work closely with partners and volunteers to amplify their impact and reach a broader audience.
Post Landfill Action Network
The Post Landfill Action Network (PLAN) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that empowers students and campuses to create zero-waste communities.
Founded in 2013 by Alex Freid, PLAN's mission is to catalyze a student-led movement that prevents waste generation, promotes sustainable consumption, and encourages the reuse and recycling of materials.
PLAN operates through three core strategies:
- Student Empowerment: The organization provides resources, training, and support to student leaders on college campuses to help them implement sustainable waste management practices. They offer guidance on waste reduction, recycling, composting, and establishing student-run enterprises that promote reuse and repair.
- Networking and Collaboration: PLAN connects student leaders, campuses, and sustainability organizations to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. They organize conferences, workshops, and networking events where students and sustainability professionals can exchange ideas, learn from each other's experiences, and develop strategies for waste reduction and sustainability initiatives.
- Campaigns and Advocacy: PLAN runs various campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for systemic change related to waste reduction and sustainable practices. They work on single-use plastics, food waste, and the circular economy. Their campaigns aim to engage and mobilize students and communities to drive policy changes and influence industry practices.
PLAN's efforts have resulted in the creation of student-led initiatives and programs on campuses across the United States and beyond. These initiatives include zero-waste programs, sustainable move-out programs, thrift stores, and campus composting systems.
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Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.

5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.

12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?