he purpose of the society is to conduct the business of the Pebble in the Pond Environmental Society (PIP) and reduce plastic garbage, especially by reducing the use of petrochemical-based plastic containers and bags. PIP started as a rag-tag band of like-minded individuals in Powell River, BC in 2008 who were horrified when they learned of the plastic gyres in the world's oceans and decided that although they were small, like pebbles, they really could do something about it. By March 2009, PIP had incorporated into a Society with a Board of Directors and Members and everything! Since inception, PIP has been very active within the community of Powell River and worldwide via the internet raising awareness of the problems that plastic poses to our health and environment.