The Blue Paradox Confronts the Plastic Crisis

Plastic has revolutionized modern life with its convenience and utility, but its mismanagement has led to severe environmental consequences. Over 14 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans annually, affecting more than 900 marine species through entanglement, ingestion, or habitat destruction.

Red Oval Partner SC Johnson is determined to tackle the escalating crisis of plastic pollution in our oceans. In collaboration with Conservation International, they have established The Blue Paradox, a global initiative to raise awareness and inspire action through immersive experiences and educational resources.

Microplastics are so small that many scraps can fit on a human finger. Photo: The Blue Paradox.

The Blue Paradox emphasizes that addressing plastic pollution requires a collective effort from individuals, businesses, and governments. In the United States, the most impactful step we can take is advocating for federal Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation.

EPR is a policy strategy where producers providing packaging and paper to consumers are held financially and often operationally accountable for managing these materials at the end of their lifecycle. The aim is to establish a sustainable funding source to enhance recycling collection and infrastructure, leading to significantly higher recycling rates (less than 10% of plastic generated in the U.S. is recycled) and preventing plastic waste from entering the environment.

For EPR to work successfully, government, businesses and consumers must all work together toward the same goal. The best way to do so is through adoption of a national EPR framework at the federal level.

Learn more about The Blue Paradox in this video, featuring a cameo from SC Johnson Chairman & CEO Fisk Johnson.

To help the general public understand the issue more clearly, The Blue Paradox features an immersive exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This experience allows visitors to "walk beneath the ocean's surface," witnessing firsthand the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. Since its opening, the exhibit has attracted nearly 300,000 visitors, with over 200,000 pledging to take action against plastic waste.

In addition to The Blue Paradox advocacy, SC Johnson has recently made the following products more Earth-friendly:

• New Scrubbing Bubbles Easy Clean trigger is made from 100% PCR
• Windex line is made from 100% Ocean-Bound Plastic

By fostering awareness and promoting actionable steps, like writing to Congress and signing this petition, The Blue Paradox aims to create a ripple effect leading to significant environmental improvements.

For more information and to get involved, visit blueparadox.com.