plastics: unsealed
Australia’s plastic pollution crisis is unsealed – and it’s hitting our health and our wallets harder than we think.
We’re shifting the conversation: beyond “reduce, reuse, recycle,” to why everyday plastics are quietly costing you money and risking your wellbeing. Join us to make smarter swaps today and demand producers take responsibility tomorrow.
Plastics: Unsealed is Ministry of the Future’s national campaign tackling Australia’s plastic pollution problem with a practical, relatable approach.
Most Aussies already know single-use plastics harm the planet — but awareness alone isn’t driving enough change. So we’re meeting people where they are right now: rising cost-of-living pressures and growing concern about personal health.
We highlight:
Emerging links between microplastics and health risks (from inflammation to potential longer-term effects being studied in Australia and globally).
How plastic-heavy habits quietly drain household budgets — think bottled water, takeaway packaging, disposable period products, and more.
It’s a fresh lens that makes the issue feel urgent and actionable for everyday Australians, especially younger generations who prioritise health and value-for-money.
What is Plastics: Unsealed?
what we’re doing
Our free Plastic Swaps Savings Calculator
Plug in your habits and see exactly how much you could save each year by switching to reusables (e.g., $500+ on bottled water alone, or hundreds on period products and coffee). It’s quick, evidence-based, and shows real dollar wins while cutting plastic waste.
Explainers on microplastics and stories on collective action
Clear, no-jargon explainers on microplastics in our bodies, food, and air — plus simple steps to reduce exposure at home. We’re also sharing Inspiring stories of collective progress: how community and policy wins are already cleaning up Australian coastlines and banning problem plastics. You can find these on our Instagram profile and more in-depth explainers on our Journal.
A way to easily support systemic change
A powerful call for systemic change: supporting Boomerang Alliance’s Cut the Wrap open letter, which demands stronger packaging laws and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) so companies — not just individuals — cover the full cost of the waste they create.
