5 Gyres

The Environmental Protection Agency's decision to delay monitoring microplastics in our drinking water for another five years is a step in the wrong direction.

The science is clear - microplastics are a pervasive pollutant negatively impacting ecosystems and public health. We need our nation's leaders to listen to the science and safeguard our communities by advancing policies before the damage becomes irreversible.

"Our nation's leaders must listen to the science and act now to protect our communities. Delaying action only allows the problem to grow while people and wildlife continue to be exposed. We don't need more environmental protections that exist only on paper. We need meaningful action in practice," said Paulita Bennett-Martin, Senior Strategist of Policy Initiatives at 5 Gyres

After bold pledge, EPA shelves microplastics testing in U.S. drinking water In April, EPA Chief Lee Zeldin and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a news conference declaring their dedication to studying microplastics, in the human body and in drinking water. But a new EPA drinking water testing rule leaves them out.

📢 NEW REPORT: The second annual International Plastic Pellet Count found more than one million plastic pellets polluting waterways around the world.

Powered by citizen science volunteers and co-led by 5 Gyres, Waterkeeper Alliance, Environment America, PIRG, Surfrider Foundation, and other partner organizations, this global initiative highlights the widespread presence of microplastic pollution and the urgent need for upstream solutions.

Read the full report 👉https://www.5gyres.org/s/International-Plastic-Pellet-Count-Report-2026.pdf

📢 FINAL CHANCE TO JOIN OUR TAHOE EXPEDITION!

We’ve extended the application deadline, giving you one last opportunity to research microplastics with us along the Tahoe Rim Trail this summer!🌲🥾

Our first land-based expedition is going to be an extra beautiful one. Think sunsets in the Sierras, hands-on microplastics research, backpacking through alpine landscapes, meeting like-minded friends, and making an impact along the way. 🌎

🚨 Applications close Monday, June 15th - the final deadline.

Learn more & apply now 👉 5gyres.org/TahoeExpedition