Our Campaigns

PFAS are forever chemicals that are used in everything from makeup to nonstick pans to our clothing. They were invented here in NJ to make things shinier and last longer, and because of that they stick around. These chemicals cause cancer and other serious health issues, and New Jersey has the second highest rate of PFAS contamination out of any state in the country.

We need to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our children and families over the convenience of our consumer products, so we’re working to educate city leaders and pass local resolutions sounding the alarm bell on this issue to set the stage for stronger protections.

For far too long, New Jerseyans have had to deal with pollution in our water and environment. We want to feel safe in knowing that the water coming out of our tap is clean and safe to drink.

Sign our petition here!

Millions of bees are dying off, with alarming consequences for our environment and our food supply.

We rely on bees to pollinate 71 of the 100 crops that provide 90% of most of the world’s food.

What happens if the bees disappear? It’s simple: No bees, no food.

Scientists point to several causes behind the problem, including global warming, habitat loss, parasites and a class of bee-killing insecticides known as neonicotinoids (or neonics).

When seeds are treated with neonics, the chemicals work their way into the pollen and nectar of the plants — which, of course, is bad news for bees and other pollinators. Worse, for the bees and for us, neonics are about 6,000 times more toxic to bees than DDT.

We’re working to get campuses and cities to ban the sale of bee-killing pesticides.

Learn about bee-friendly commitments!

The fast fashion business model is built on waste. Clothing companies like Forever 21 are constantly churning out the latest trends at incredibly cheap prices. Because of the rapid turnover of products, companies have to do something with their overstock–the unsold clothing that’s left behind. It’s the fashion industry’s “dirty open secret” that many companies resort to burning or throwing away this unused clothing. In fact, about 30% of all the clothing produced globally each year is never sold or worn and is likely headed straight to the closest landfill or incinerator. Globally, only 20% of all textiles are recycled or repurposed, sending the other 92 million tons of clothing to landfills each year- a major reason why clothing and textile waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the US. In the US, we generate enough textile waste to fill the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the country- every six days! 

The solution to this issue is decreasing the ongoing environmental degradation from fast fashion business models by educating students and having them make pledges to commit to a “fast fashion free” semester as well as other efforts to reduce the purchasing of fast fashion outside of pre-owned clothing stores. Fast fashion companies will not change their profitable business practices unless we make a change in their consumer base so that they capitulate to the desires of the people that give them their profits.

Sign the petition to Forever 21!

At Rutgers University, students spend an average of $1,500 a year on textbooks and course materials alone. Publishers are constantly implementing new methods to jack up prices, from using expensive online passcodes to creating costly special editions that make purchasing of used books a hassle. These tactics leave students trapped, with textbook prices rising four times as fast as the rate of inflation.

A new approach is needed to create a long-lasting difference. Luckily, NJPIRG has won real change with our Open Textbooks campaign, which focuses on the cost-saving power of open source textbooks which are published under an open license, making them available at low or no cost! In February 2016, the President of Rutgers University agreed to fund a $12,000 grant program to encourage faculty to adopt open textbooks in their classes.

Since its start, the program has already saved Rutgers students $2.1 million. Our mission is to continue and expand this program so that passing a class isn’t decided by your bank account.

Find out more information on the Open & Affordable Textbooks (OAT) Project at Rutgers University 

We believe that the full participation of young people in the political process is essential to a truly representative, vibrant democracy. Together young people have the power to elect the next generation of leaders who will fight for our shared vision of the future, but only if we vote.

During every election cycle, we’re working with our campus communities to make it easier and more accessible for students to vote and we’re working with campus administrators to make voting and civic engagement more institutionalized in residence halls, class registration, and other aspects of student life.

Our Future
Our Voice
Our Vote

Register to vote or update your registration at
StudentVote.org

No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. But the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people.

Poverty isn’t exclusive to any one community. Even college campuses are not immune. Our latest research suggests that one in five students currently experience hunger and 55% of food insecure students choose between buying food and textbooks.

We have the resources and knowledge to eliminate hunger and homelessness in our time, but it remains to be seen whether we have the political will to do so. Fortunately, on campuses across the country, there are students like us who are dedicated to making their communities a better place, and improving the lives and well-being of those around them. Our Hunger Campaign takes this passion and dedication and harnesses it through a combination of direct service, fundraising events, and political advocacy.

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week Organizing Toolkit

North Atlantic Right whales are some of our most endangered ocean neighbors, with only 370 left alive. In 2024 alone, four right whales were killed as a result of boat strikes, and one died from getting tangled in fishing gear.

These gentle giants need our help if they are going to survive. We’re calling on Congress to reject any effort to weaken safeguards for the species, so that these whales can swim off our shores for generations to come.

SIGN THE PETITION!