Neglected: Environmental Justice Impacts of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution

Public understanding of plastic pollution has risen consid¬erably in the last couple of years. Far less understood is the broader context in which this pollution exists, and of the full extent of its impacts. Vulnerable communities around the world deal with the impacts of plastic waste and have historically been unable to inform environmental conversations on the matter. This report explores the injustices brought on by plastic waste and plastic pollution and examines how vulnerable communities are disproportionately and negatively affected during all stages of the plastic lifecycle. It reviews legal and policy frameworks, exploring historical successes and challenges, and proposes actions for various state and non-state stakeholders.