Report: California Best at Tackling Plastic Pollution, Most of US 'Needs Improvement'

That’s according to the environmental advocacy nonprofit Ocean Conservancy. It published its 2025 “United States of Plastics” report on July 15. It graded each state based on the laws they’ve passed to lower plastic pollution.

The report ranked each state from one to five stars. One star meant “needs improvement.” Five stars meant “excellent.” Only a handful of states even made it past three stars. California led the way. It gained 4.5 stars. That's largely due to laws with some form of bans on Styrofoam, single-use plastic bags, and plastic packaging. Mississippi was last. It was given 0.5 stars. The report’s authors cited the Southern state’s law which limits local governments from banning plastic use.  

Three stars meant "good." In total, 90% of US states scored below three stars. Ocean Conservancy representatives told the Washington Post that they graded pretty harshly. Such scrutiny is needed, the group argues.

“Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing threats to ocean health,” Ocean Conservancy wrote in its report. “Every year, over 11 million metric tons of plastic pollution enter the ocean. That amounts to more than a garbage truck’s worth of plastics entering the ocean every minute.” 

Ocean Conservancy said that states could improve their grades (and their ecosystems) by passing laws that encourage consumers and businesses to change how they use plastics.

Reflect: What are some small changes people or communities can make to help take better care of the environment?