Plastic-Free Times (currently in Beta) is a citizen activation hub that delivers RSS news from around the world about plastic pollution;  clear and concise information about plastic pollution; peer-reviewed scientific data and other resources, and offers easy on-ramps for becoming involved in the solutions.

Activation Hub

In the heart of Plastic-Free Times is an interactive map that is a visual representation of all efforts around the globe to end plastic pollution:  local movements to curb the use of plastic bags, plastic bottles or ban polystyrene containers, as well as campaigns against BpA and other toxic chemicals leaching from plastic will be reflected on the map, with access to specific contacts for each community.  The goal is to educate the public and support world-wide initiatives through an objective stream of information .

News Portal

In addition to global connections and activation, Plastic-Free Times is also a place for information on the issue of plastic pollution. It delivers original content as well as curated/aggregated content from various news sites and blogs. Posts are open to user comments. News is easy to repost, syndicate, and share through blogs and social media. It is integrated with social media outlets, such as Twitter and Facebook, and open to user-generated content, including photos, YouTube videos, and social network status updates.

Resource Portal

Plastic-Free Times delivers a database of resources about plastic pollution:

• Link library: tagged, classified and open to citizen submissions • Media center: resources for other media interested in the topic.
• Event Calendar: tagged, classified and open to citizen submissions • Products for a reduced plastic footprint lifestyle.
• Collaborative workspaces: coalition members will receive access to groups, forums and collaborative workspaces within the site, with different levels of administration, privacy and connectivity.
• Information clearinghouse – a platform for aggregating content developed by all coalition members, and their toolkits.
• Legal library: A database where legislation, supporting documents and legal defense will be shared, built upon, discussed and made available for easy download, in a model similar to open source software. This will provide much needed support for passing local legislation, while at the same time creating an online community of support and self-help for those wishing to take legal action within their communities.