Plastic isn’t just a pollution problem. It’s a climate problem, too.

Let’s break it down

From Fossil Fuels to Forks: The Plastic–Carbon Connection

Almost every piece of plastic you’ve ever used started the same way: deep underground, as oil or gas.

Shockingly, over 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels. It’s extracted, refined, processed—and each step burns energy and releases greenhouse gases. That’s right: plastic = carbon emissions.

By 2030, plastic could be responsible for over 1.3 gigatons of emissions per year—that’s like adding 295 new coal plants to the planet.

How Plastic Emits Carbon at Every Stage

Plastic pollutes at every point in its life cycle:

• Extraction – Drilling for oil and gas releases carbon and methane.
• Production – Turning fossil fuels into plastic is energy-intensive and dirty.
• Transport – Plastic is shipped across the globe, burning fuel the whole way.
• Disposal – Most plastic isn’t recycled. It’s burned (more CO₂), sent to landfills (methane), or ends up in oceans (where it can interfere with ecosystems that absorb carbon).

So yes, your single-use fork really can warm the planet.

What You Can Do (It Matters!!)

Every small shift helps lower both plastic and carbon footprints:

1. Bring your own – Reusable bottles, containers, and bags keep plastic (and emissions) out of the system.
2. Use your voice – Support local bans on single-use plastics and push for climate-friendly laws.
3. Talk about it – Most people don’t know plastic is a climate issue. Help spread the word.

Join the Movement

That’s why we created Plastic Free Fridays: a simple way to cut back on plastic once a week—and build habits that last.

Say no to plastic. Say yes to a cooler, cleaner planet.
Take the pledge. Share your swaps. Tag your journey: #PlasticFreeFridays

Let’s cut plastic—and carbon—together.