2026-06-10T15:13:46-05:00 2025-09-30 320530003 QUIGLEY & MIRON 3580 WILSHIRE BLVD 1755 LOS ANGELES CA 90010 990 2024-10-01 271350279 The 5 Gyres Institute 5GYR 3233951843 PO Box 5699 Santa Monica CA 90409 Anna Cummins Executive Director 3233951843 2026-06-09 0 ARMEN GRIGORIAN P01582463 2136393550 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z Anna Cummins PO Box 5699 Santa Monica CA 90409 1939400 0 X www.5gyres.org X 2009 CA 5 Gyres mission is to empower action against the global health crisis of plastic pollution through science, education, and adventure. 10 9 11 9 0 0 1235205 1908715 7191 3285 5591 27400 0 0 1247987 1939400 0 0 0 0 858226 948422 58225 10000 243416 466377 355080 1382828 1313502 -134841 625898 910557 1554283 159921 158820 750636 1395463 X The 5 Gyres Institute (5 Gyres) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, with a global network of supporters united in the pursuit of a planet free of plastic pollution. 5 Gyres' mission is to empower action against the global health crisis of plastic pollution through science, education, and advocacy. Since its inception in 2009, 5 Gyres has been a science-based pioneer in plastic pollution research and exploration. The organization originally set out to answer a set of key scientific questions, including the global scope, distribution, and impacts of plastic pollution. In 2014 5 Gyres published the first global estimate of marine plastic pollution, and recently updated these findings with the most comprehensive publication to date on ocean plastics. (PLOS ONE, 2023) 5 Gyres' goal is to reduce the harm from plastic pollution by 20% by 2030. 0 0 364221 3285 SCIENCE Our 15 years of research on ocean and terrestrial plastics leads us to focus on specific sources, or sectors, that generate plastic pollution to create more effective solutions. From microfibers and plastic pellets to single-use packaging, there are many unique sources of plastic pollution. By leading research around key sectors and materials, we can design targeted, effective interventions that reduce the harmful impacts of plastic pollution.2025 Research Highlights: - Vietnam Marine Debris - To better understand coastal pollution pathways, Dr. Victoria Fulfer tracked marine debris in Nha Trang, Vietnam, documenting nearly 74,000 items over a four-month time series. This work gives insights into the many complexities influencing shoreline debris deposition and removal, and emphasizes that beach cleanups cannot be the only mitigation solution. - Microfibers & Rainbow Trout - Dr. Lisa Erdle tested the impact of different microfiber types (cotton and polyester), with varying chemical additives, on rainbow trout. The results show that all microfibers - not just synthetic - should be considered when developing solution.- Microplastics on the PCT - This study, led by 5 Gyres Ambassadors Tori McGruer and Macy Gustavus, surveyed trash along the entire 4,270 km Pacific Crest Trail and estimated that 53,000 pieces were present. Targeted waste management in high-impact locations and improved gear design could reduce waste in these wilderness areas. - Plastic Mangroves in Honduras - 5 Gyres Ambassador Zara Zuniga-Lopez surveyed four mangrove sites in Honduras, finding 3,417 items in just 500 square meters - almost 99% of which were plastic. A deceased crocodile nearby was found with 62 pieces of litter in its gut. This research shows that mangroves act as a sink for plastic pollution, putting ecosystems and wildlife at risk. Science at the Global Plastics Treaty: Honest Brokers and the Merchants of Doubt 5 Gyres' Co-Founder & Scientist, Dr. Marcus Eriksen, attended what was meant to be the final Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. While the treaty itself was not agreed upon, due to the aggressive efforts of some of the world's strongest petrochemical states, two of the three legs required for an effective treaty are now in place: political will of the 75-nation High Ambition Coalition, and a strong text. According to Marcus, there is hope on the horizon that these ambitious countries can advance negotiations beyond UNEP through a coalition of the willing, and 5 Gyres will stand ready to support science in every way we can.Plastic Air: Microfibers & TextilesHot Out of the Dryer: Recently Published ResearchOur two-part "Plastic Air" study focused on airborne microfibers - a major source of microplastic pollution. These tiny, thread-like particles that shed from textiles can easily become airborne and travel long distances, making them especially relevant to human exposure. We evaluated the significance of emissions from commercial dryers, finding that a single laundromat can release up to 7.2 trillion microfibers into the air each year, with city-wide emissions reaching 1.1 quadrillion microfibers annually. Our research established that dryers are a significant and overlooked source of airborne microfiber pollution, so the next step was to evaluate potential solutions. We found that some secondary dryer filtration systems can capture up to 80% of microfibers before they enter the air. Filtration presents a viable mitigation strategy to reduce microfiber emissions and protect environmental and human health.Implementing Upstream Solutions Filtration alone won't solve microfiber pollution, and change is needed further upstream. Our guide, Reducing Microfiber Pollution: An Industry Playbook, offers accessible, general guidelines to help brands reduce microfiber emissions at every step of the supply chain. The series includes three audience-specific guides - Design Solutions, Sourcing Practices, and Manufacturing Interventions - and serves as a valuable resource for textile companies to take action today. 234443 ADVOCACY As one of the oldest and most established organizations focused on microplastic pollution research, 5 Gyres is at the forefront of driving impactful policies to reduce harm from plastic pollution. Our policy campaigns are led by a team of seasoned experts with networks in local and national decision-making bodies, and informed by research from our in-house science team and other leading institutions. We advocate for solutions to address microplastic pollution and plastic pollution in parks and protected areas, support other comprehensive legislation, and defend against bad plastics policies.Microplastic-Free US With growing awareness and momentum around microplastic pollution, the time to take action is now-before its impact on our environment and public health becomes irreversible. In 2025, we launched a national advocacy campaign, Microplastic-Free US, to advance policy measures addressing microplastic pollution in the United States. Over 500 individuals have joined us in reaching out to our elected officials, demanding action that safeguards environmental and human health.A nationwide poll to better understand public perception around microplastics solidified that we're on the right track. Nearly 80% of respondents agreed that microplastics pose a threat to both environmental and human health, and immediate action is needed. The results showed strong bipartisan support for policies aimed at preventing or reducing microplastic pollution, especially when it concerns human health. We are continuing to rally signatures, amplify voices, and urge our elected officials to protect our communities from this invisible threat.Policy Progress in 2025 - California's AB 823, which would have banned plastic microbeads in personal care and cleaning products, made it to Governor Newsom's desk before being vetoed - The Fighting Fibers Act of 2025 was reintroduced in Congress, which would require new washing machines to have a microfiber filtration system - The Microplastics Safety Act, which would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on the human health impacts of exposure to microplastics in food and water, was introduced in Congress with bipartisan support - The Farewell to Foam Act was introduced, which would prohibit food ware accessories, packing peanuts, and disposable coolers made from expanded polystyrene - The Reducing Waste in National Park Act was reintroduced, which would ban the sale of single-use plastics in U.S. national parks - The REUSE Act, which would direct the EPA to conduct a feasibility study on reuse and refill systems in different sectors, had a bipartisan introduction and passed the US Senate Lobby Days are a crucial time for constituents, scientists, and NGOs to meet with their elected officials and advocate for issues that matter most to them. 5 Gyres invited Ambassadors and partners to join us at California Ocean Day in Sacramento and Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington, D.C. this year. It was inspiring to see our most dedicated advocates speaking on behalf of our mission! 192015 TRASHBLITZ Through our community science program, TrashBlitz, we continue to build a global movement dedicated to documenting and analyzing waste trends in local communities. The mobile app makes it easy to collect data on brands, materials, and items found anywhere in the world. Each record contributes to local, national, and global datasets to inform targeted, science-based solutions.Plastic-Free Parks Thanks to the support of our volunteers and partners, our Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz had another successful year, collecting over 23,000 pieces of data and surveying 59 sites. To nobody's surprise, plastic was the most prevalent material polluting national parks for the fourth year in a row, making up nearly 85% of waste recorded in 2025. This year's data demonstrates the widespread presence of microplastics, with pre-production plastic pellets and plastic fragments making up more than half of all items recorded. Our team will use this report to advocate for solutions that protect our parks, like supporting the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act and advancing our Microplastic-Free US campaign.TrashBlitz Florida Florida is home to some of the world's most iconic beaches, national parks, and ecosystems. 5 Gyres launched TrashBlitz Florida to develop a statewide perspective on the waste pollution crisis. More than 900 volunteers conducted cleanups across 45 sites in North, Central, and South Florida, logging nearly 18,500 pieces of trash. More than 80% of the waste was plastic or mixed materials containing plastic. These results reveal that Florida's waste pollution is largely driven by single-use plastics, and stronger measures are needed to reduce these plastics at the source.International Plastic Pellet Count Plastic pellets are the raw building blocks of everyday plastic items - yet their spills go largely untracked and unregulated. 5 Gyres co-organized the first International Plastic Pellet Count, a global citizen science effort to quantify the extent of this pollution. Volunteers collected nearly 50,000 pellets at more than 200 sites across 14 countries, 29 U.S. states, and Washington, D.C. This report demonstrates the need for governments to better regulate plastic pellet pollution to prevent microplastic pollution and safeguard ecosystems and human health around the world. 124042 AMBASSADORS & PARTNERS Ambassador Action Fund The 5 Gyres Ambassador network is made up of hundreds of individuals, from scientists and students to artists and activists, using their unique backgrounds and skills to take action against plastic pollution. In 2025, we launched the Ambassador Action Fund to support the work of Ambassadors in 5 Gyres' focus areas (Science, Advocacy, and TrashBlitz) by providing financial support, mentorship, and resources. Science Awardees - Diego Arreola Fernandez collected data from 29 Toronto supermarkets, studied customer behavior, and tested various interventions to cut down on single-use plastic bags at grocery stores.- Karen Fuentes led a group of students on a field trip to the Caribbean Sea to learn about the threats facing mobulid rays and to collect microplastics data that informs conservation efforts. Advocacy Awardees - Katie Abare mobilized volunteers in her community and collected over 10,000 plastic pellets. She joined our team in Washington, D.C. to advocate for stronger action on plastic pellet pollution.- Maddie Kaufman led the charge to advocate for a zero-waste FIFA World Cup in Miami, Florida, garnering support from a coalition of local organizations and businesses. TrashBlitz Awardees - Anna Galipeau led a group of volunteers to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area to collect TrashBlitz data, which she will utilize to develop strategies to prevent future pollution.- Soleil Sabalja conducted a TrashBlitz at Gateway National Recreation Area in New York City as part of a project on local bird species diversity, removing over 140 pounds of trash. Cause Partner Collaborations 5 Gyres x Nomadix Ambassadors Dominic McLeod and Jeff LoPilato designed original artwork for an ocean-inspired collection between Nomadix and 5 Gyres. The collection, including towels, a bandana, a festival blanket, and a tote bag, captures the spirit of our organization while supporting our ongoing research and advocacy work. 5 Gyres x Grove Co. Grove Co. launched a Spring Limited Edition Collection that celebrates the beauty of our world's oceans and highlights 5 Gyres' work to drive innovative solutions to plastic pollution. The home goods and personal care collection is packaged in aluminum, glass, and paper - with no single-use plastic in sight. 124042 914721 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12 0 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 10 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 CA X Stephanie Zill 2134227373 PO Box 36128 Los Angeles CA 90036 Erico Gomes Board Chair 2.00 X X 0 0 0 Ashley Van Stone Board Secretary 1.00 X 0 0 0 Anna Cummins Executive Director 40.00 X X 107700 0 7200 Teresa Ish Board Member 1.00 X 0 0 0 Jonathan Taylor Board Member 1.00 X 0 0 0 Pam Marcus Board Member 1.00 X 0 0 0 Lacey Reddix Board Member 1.00 X 0 0 0 John Lochner Board Member 1.00 X 0 0 0 Marta Benson Board Member 1.00 X 0 0 0 Kathleen Egan Board Member 1.00 X 0 0 0 107700 0 7200 1 0 0 0 0 1908715 1908715 Program Service Revenu 900099 3285 3285 3285 27400 27400 1939400 3285 0 27400 118314 59157 11832 47325 711168 564815 65696 80657 54102 42889 5000 6213 64838 48935 6056 9847 29000 29000 8850 8850 10000 10000 112249 96810 7207 8232 1684 1684 6763 6763 71255 63696 7559 4212 4212 6565 6565 Software and apps 68706 68706 Payroll Processing Fees 29797 22489 2783 4525 Taxes and licenses 7829 7829 Merchandise 7080 7080 1090 738 352 1313502 914721 155365 243416 80087 214910 11267 54917 567977 50 5243 764236 766153 910557 1554283 9921 8820 150000 150000 159921 158820 X 742786 1090463 7850 305000 750636 1395463 910557 1554283 625898 18929 0 X 0 1 X 0 0 X 1104977 1051825 1100158 1235205 1908715 6400880 1104977 1051825 1100158 1235205 1908715 6400880 1799772 4601108 105 12 18566 35180 27400 81263 6482143 11436 0.70980 0.79360 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8850 8850 0 Part II-B, Line 1: Policy is an ever-changing and slow-moving process, but we are thrilled to be on the front lines of using science to inform real change by participating in coalition building networks and advocating for upstream solutions in our local, national, and global communities. This year's work led to impressive progress made at the Local, State, and Federal levels. 0 X 1958329 18929 18929 1939400 0 1939400 1313502 0 1313502 0 1313502 Part X, Line 2: Accounting standards require an organization to evaluate its tax positions and provide for a liability for any positions that would not be considered 'more likely than not' to be upheld under a tax authority examination. Management has evaluated its tax positions and has concluded that a provision for a tax liability is not necessary at September 30, 2025 and 2024. Generally, the Organization's information returns remain open for examination for a period of three (federal) or four (state of California) years from the date of filing. Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 2 Anna Cummins and Marcus Eriksen are married. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 11b The Board of Directors reviews the Form 990 prior to filing the return. Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 19 Documents and forms are available upon written request to the organization.