Welcome to Pacific Environment’s July newsletter — and happy Plastic Free July! This month, we’re celebrating the power of everyday choices and bold systemic change. From launching a plastic-free challenge in Vietnam to supporting game-changing clean shipping legislation in Congress, Pacific Environment is driving action for people and the planet.
Read on for climate and community updates, leadership news and how you can make an impact.
Plastic Free July: Turning small swaps into systemic solutions
This Plastic Free July, we’re encouraging both everyday plastic-free habits and growing movement for a cleaner, healthier future. In Vietnam, Pacific Environment and partners launched a 30-Day Plastic-Free Challenge to promote easy, single-use plastic-free swaps — like bringing your own reusable bags to stores, using refillable water bottles and visiting nearby refill stores. We also launched the Green Superhero – Save the Earth from Plastic Waste competition, empowering students to take action against plastic pollution through creativity and learning.
Alongside government agencies and other stakeholders, we sponsored an event in Hanoi focused on reducing single-use plastic bags. As momentum builds, our Vietnam Country Director Xuan Quach shared key priorities for a strong Global Plastics Treaty (GPT) during a national consultation ahead of next month’s final negotiations.
ICC secures permanent consultative status at the IMO — here’s why it matters
The Inuit Circumpolar Council just became the first Indigenous organization to gain permanent consultative status at the International Maritime Organization — a major step forward for Indigenous leadership in global shipping policy. This hard-earned recognition ensures Inuit perspectives will help shape international decisions that impact Arctic communities and ecosystems. It’s a powerful reminder that Indigenous knowledge and advocacy belong on the global stage.
Learn moreLawmakers in Congress reintroduce bold legislation to cut shipping pollution and advance clean maritime solutions
Members of Congress are ramping up efforts to clean up the shipping industry — one of the world’s biggest polluters. Lawmakers have reintroduced two key bills aimed at cutting ship emissions, protecting port communities and driving a just transition to zero-emission shipping.
Accountability and industry reform
Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA-7) and Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) have reintroduced the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act, which would slash ship emissions, improve air quality in port communities and revitalize the U.S. shipping industry. The legislation was introduced alongside the Clean Shipping Act of 2025 as part of a broader push for maritime reform.
Read moreSetting a course for zero emissions
Congressman Robert Garcia (D-CA-42) and Sen. Alex Padilla’s (D-CA) reintroduced Clean Shipping Act of 2025 goes further by setting clear deadlines: zero emissions at berth by 2035 and full decarbonization by 2050. The bill prioritizes the health of nearly 40% of Americans living near ports and pushes the maritime industry toward a just, zero-emission future.
Read moreCommunities call for climate accountability amid California refinery closures
As California navigates its energy transition and declining gasoline demand, frontline communities are speaking out. With two major refineries set to close, environmental justice and climate groups are urging lawmakers to resist Big Oil’s pressure tactics and instead double down on bold, equitable climate action. Advocates say this is a pivotal moment to hold polluters accountable and ensure California’s shift away from fossil fuels protects both people and the planet.
Learn moreAmplify your impact with Pacific Environment’s Impact Circle
Pacific Environment’s Impact Circle is a donor-centered community that empowers you to see and shape the difference your support makes. For more than 40 years, we’ve partnered with dedicated supporters to protect our oceans and precious natural resources. Join our community of changemakers, enjoy exclusive benefits and stay closely connected to our work that is creating lasting impact around the globe.
Join todayNew leadership to drive bold climate and programmatic impact
We’re sharing two important leadership updates as we strengthen our efforts to tackle the climate crisis and protect communities and ecosystems. Grace Healy, interim senior director, Climate campaign, has been promoted to our head of programs, overseeing our four core areas of work — Arctic, climate, marine and plastics. Grace brings deep strategic insight, programmatic experience and strong relationships with allies and stakeholders that will help shape our cross-cutting initiatives moving forward.
We’re also excited to announce that Teresa Bui, our California policy director, has been promoted to senior director, Climate campaign. Teresa has long been a driving force in our work to end fossil-fueled shipping and bring climate justice to the forefront. Her deep knowledge of maritime issues, trusted leadership and collaborative spirit will continue to guide our climate campaign to even greater impact.
We’re thrilled to have Grace and Teresa in these roles at such a critical moment for the planet — and for Pacific Environment.
Meet our staffSupport Pacific Environment by making a gift today
The stakes are higher than ever — for our planet and its people. This Plastic Free July, your support helps power grassroots action and bold local leadership across the Pacific Rim to fight plastic waste, protect marine life and build healthier communities. Every gift fuels real solutions for a cleaner, thriving ocean and planet.
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