Plastic pollution in the ocean is a serious problem that threatens the ocean ecosystem. The Ocean Conservancy estimates that there are currently 150 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean, and that we add 8 million tons each year. How long that plastic will last varies, but many types of plastic exist 200 years or longer. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that plastic in the ocean is expected to quadruple by 2050, if current trends continue, which would mean that in 2050 there will be a larger volume of plastic than fish in the sea.
As many viral photos and videos have shown, plastic hurts ocean wildlife. Sea turtles mistake bags for jellyfish, albatrosses feed their babies plastic, and many animals from anchovies to whales are ingesting microplastics. For some of these animals, like baby sea turtles, plastic is deadly. For others it is a toxin that impacts behavior and health. Studies are also beginning to confirm what seems obvious, humans are ingesting plastic and toxic chemicals by eating fish and drinking beverages including iced tea, soda, and beer.
While systemic change is needed, our individual actions and choices surrounding plastic use matter for a variety of reasons:
- First, when we use plastic alternatives, we role model the importance of making sustainable choices to those around us. When many of us act, it creates a context that makes it more likely for decision-makers to act to protect the environment.
- Second, reducing our plastic helps us to remind ourselves of both the plastic challenge that we are facing globally, and the power of declining what we do not need.
- Third, if demand for plastic declines, companies respond to consumers and begin to shift their supply chains. Shifts by producers, retailers and consumers may help to alter the growth in plastic production.
- Finally, small actions can help us to magnify our voices. For example, we might share stories about the ocean, or we can ask a business to use compostable plant-based plastics. Education and local advocacy can lead to laws that have significant impacts on plastic, waste, and our environment, like those in Hawaii and Washington, DC, two places that we are proud to call “home.”
This month, aka Plastic Free July, millions of people worldwide will pledge to reduce (and ideally eliminate) their single-use plastic consumption in an effort to help curb the global plastic pollution crisis. So with that goal in mind, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you reduce your plastic use this July and beyond:
Invest in a reusable water bottle. Globally, one million plastic bottles are sold per minute, and 91% of those bottles are not recycled – by bringing your water bottle with you, you can avoid contributing to this alarming statistic. This one from 4Ocean is a great option as each purchase funds the removal of one pound of trash from our ocean, rivers, and coastlines.
Carry a non-plastic reusable bag. Make a habit of keeping a small reusable bag in your purse or car for those spur-of-the-moment shopping trips.
Pick-up trash – When you are taking a walk or a hike, bring your reusable bag and your gloves and pick up litter that you see along the way. This prevents the litter that you see from entering our waterways and becoming marine pollution.
BYO Utensils – Carrying your own set of travel utensils with you allows you to eliminate the use of single-use plastic silverware whenever you partonize your favorite food trucks, carry-out, or fast food spots. We love this set from NetZeroCo.
Reach Out – Encourage your favorite café, restaurant, and/or hotel to use Greenware (compostable faux-plastic that is made of plants).
Skip the straw altogether or carry a metal, glass, or bamboo alternative with you.
Invest in reusable food storage solutions. Great options include containers made of glass, metal, or bamboo. Swapping plastic wrap for beeswax wraps is also a sustainable option.
Pack your own lunch in order to reduce the packaging in grab-and-go options.
Take a personal plastic audit – Walk around your house for 15 minutes and write down every item made of plastic. Use this self-assessment to consider your personal plastic usage, the impacts of that usage, and reflect on ways that you can reduce both.
Buy clothes that are made out of organic cotton, and avoid fabrics made from fleece, polyester, and other synthetic materials as they produce microplastics that are released in the wash.
Vote, donate, and use your voice. Support local and national policies that reduce single-use and other plastics, fund research and investment in plant-based compostable materials, and encourage upcycling of plastic waste into infrastructure such as roads.
Participate in trash or microplastics clean-ups. Taking part in these events is a great way to help out the community and environment, learn about local conservation efforts, and meet new people!
Support innovative recycling and upcycling initiatives. We know how important it is to recycle the plastic that we do use, and Terracycle’s Zero Waste Box is making it easier to recycle a wider range of items that are not eligible for typical curbside collection. When it comes to upcycling, some of our favorite companies and organizations that are working on creating supply chains that address plastic and promote a more circular economy include: Rothys, 4Ocean, Fabri-Kal, and Parley.
Offset Your Plastic Footprint. While these strategies can help reduce your plastic use, eliminating single-use plastics altogether is a tough task. Consider becoming plastic neutral and offset your plastic consumption by donating to clean-up companies/organizations. The offsetting organization Plastic Bank, for example, pays local people who live in coastal communities for the plastic that they collect which is then upcycled.
Educate yourself and learn more about the topic of plastic pollution. These are some of our favorite educational resources:
- Website: https://plasticoceans.org/the-facts/
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution
- Film: A Plastic Ocean – https://www.netflix.com/title/80164032
- Film: Tapped – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72MCumz5lq4
- Short (5 minute) video: https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/11/world/vanishing-walsh-plastic-albatross/index.html
- Book: Garbology – https://www.amazon.com/Garbology-Dirty-Love-Affair-Trash/dp/1583335234
Our rivers and oceans are critically important and need our protection. They provide habitat to many species, economic benefits to local communities, as well as health benefits and opportunities for recreation to millions of people worldwide. We hope that you found these tips helpful and that you will join us in reducing your plastic use this July and beyond. What are your tips for using less plastic? Let us know below!
