Measuring Our Success: How Better Data Can Help Keep Plastic Out of the Ocean

Preventing the flow of plastic into the ocean has become a global priority, with science and data proving to be critical drivers of both commitments and strategies. However, our inability to consistently understand the problem and measure impact in comparable ways hinders our ability to pursue collective action and make progress for the environment, people, and the global economy.

This report reviews the existing landscape for ocean plastic metrics and tools in collaboration with a multisectoral group of experts to identify key trends and gaps in data and methods, as well as opportunities to continue advancing the plastics circularity field. It covers the critical data gaps that need to be addressed; discusses key questions around each gap, mapping out the frequency of resources by theme and purpose; and shows the positive impacts of addressing these critical gaps in measurement. 

The report shows five key actions actors in this sector can pursue to improve metrics and measures. Key takeaways from this report include:

• Establish practical standards and accounting methods that increase transparency and traceability around material flows.
• Make data and decision-making tools locally relevant and accessible for setting baselines and impact targets.
• Innovate approaches to collecting and sharing data that allow systems actors to develop a shared understanding of the current state and the progress that is being made.
• Create holistic definitions of success and performance that not only measure reductions in plastic waste leaking into the environment but also include impacts on climate, economics, and livelihoods.
• Align, integrate, and make widely available the resources and tools that we have.