At a recent event in Santa Monica, CA, 150 leaders, artists, activists, and scientists attended in person in addition to more than 75 "watch parties" and satellite events. During the program, the coalition issued four challenges to participants. The first challenge was for individuals and businesses to refuse disposable plastics. Secondly, manufacturers of virgin resin, plastic packaging, and plastic products were called on to take responsibility for their products, develop alternatives, and voluntarily cap non-biodegradable virgin resin product. Thirdly, the group challenged government to develop policies that curb the "irresponsible" use of plastic. Finally, the fourth challenge was to plastic manufacturers from ocean nations: "Come together and form a union against the onslaught of plastic to your environment, economic well-being and public health."
Live and online attendees then signed a "REFUSE" pledge, with multiple celebrities, including Benicio Del Toro and Jack Johnson calling on people to create their own 'REFUSE Plastic' messages.
