February 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to Pacific Current, our new monthly newsletter! We recently launched a new website and logo for Pacific Environment, one that reflects our ongoing commitment to people and the planet. Pacific Current is an opportunity to share with you the stories of our successes and impacts as we promote a healthy climate, reduce pollution and conserve biodiversity for an equitable and thriving future.

Designed for impact: a new chapter for Pacific Environment

The Pacific Rim is full of communities, ecosystems and stories that inspire action. At Pacific Environment, we are constantly asking how we can show up even more powerfully for all of them. As part of that reflection, we’ve refreshed our mission, vision and values, and redesigned our look to reflect the energy, urgency and beauty of the work we do.

Celebrating Lunar New Year — without the waste

As part of International Zero Waste Month, Pacific Environment launched Zero Waste Tết 2026 to reduce plastic pollution and overconsumption during Lunar New Year in Vietnam. By bringing culturally relevant, hands-on zero waste education through a digital campaign and directly into primary schools, our team is demonstrating how traditions can be preserved in ways that celebrate and sustain communities, waterways and the environment.

Zero waste 101: Breaking down the basics and debunking myths

Now that we are closing out International Zero Waste Month, we want to take a moment to return to zero waste basics. Some may hear “zero waste” and wonder: Is a world without waste really possible? Let’s look at what zero waste is really about, debunk myths and explore the creative ways the Pacific Environment team practices zero waste around the world.

Administration’s Maritime Action Plan is a missed opportunity to strengthen U.S. shipping competitiveness and capture emerging clean maritime markets

Earlier this month, the Trump administration published the Maritime Action Plan, a long-anticipated federal blueprint to revive the American shipbuilding industry amid growing global competition.

Read Pacific Environment’s response from our Federal Climate Policy Director Antonio Santos, who notes: “To truly become a global maritime leader, the U.S. must do more than just build more ships; it must invest in innovation to build the cleanest and most efficient fleet in the world. Zero-emission vessels are rapidly becoming the global benchmark for maritime competitiveness.”

In the news

Explore some of our latest media highlights and expert commentary featured in leading outlets.

• NGOs urge IMO: “Dilution is not a solution” – choose onboard retention & port offload for ammonia ship waste (Cyprus Shipping News)
• ‘Maritime Action Plan’ misses chance to boost U.S. shipping competitiveness in clean markets (AJOT)
• Retail giants back first e-ammonia boxship (Splash247)
• Newark aims to ban fossil fuel plants through historic ordinance (Tapinto Newark)

Newark moves to stop fossil fuel expansion and protect public health

In December, Newark leaders introduced a landmark ordinance that would halt new fossil fuel infrastructure, cut dangerous air pollution and prioritize the health of frontline port communities. The ordinance is now under consideration with the Newark Zoning and Planning Board. The Ports for People: Newark Fossil Free Future Ordinance represents a major step toward environmental justice, cleaner air and a climate-safe future for one of the region’s most overburdened port cities.

Make a gift today to support Pacific Environment

Now more than ever, Pacific Environment needs your help to protect our oceans, portside communities and the planet. Take action and make your gift to cut emissions, safeguard ecosystems and build a cleaner future for biodiversity.