The National CleanUp Plan

A Proposal to Develop National Policy in Partnership with the Global Cleanup Alliance
Steve Jewett

Executive Summary
The proliferation of plastic materials within the last few decades poses several critical environmental
problems. Plastics do not biodegrade and are threatening the planet's water, food, and air. The scale
of this problem is worldwide and is the preeminent challenge faced by governments, individual
consumers, and international businesses. We have a plan outline and want it developed and refined
using current, evidence-based information. A possible template is a cleanup plan developed by
Australia.

A global group of scientists recently called for actions to avoid a “plastic future” that included reducing
plastic waste, improving waste management, and cleanup and recovery efforts. To remove the
contamination poised to enter the fluvial and marine environments, they have suggested that up to
one billion volunteers will be required to participate annually. To change littering behavior and
increase the number of people that pick-up litter, a minimum of 5% - 10% of a population is required
to change the social norms and behaviors that will lead to lasting change.

Solutions require a global commitment, national coordination, and local implementation. We propose
the creation of a National CleanUp Plan that addresses the plastics issue directly through incorporating
existing research, plans and policies. The plan will be implemented in coordination with federal, state,
and local governments in cooperation with nonprofit partners, educational institutions, and businesses
throughout the United States. The plan will provide an extended policy framework and strategy for
Federal agencies with actionable concepts for states and local municipalities.

Link to project proposal here
Videos embedded in the project proposal