Have you seen the documentary, A Plastic Ocean, yet? It’s available on most digital platforms, to rent or purchase. I haven’t seen it yet but from the trailer alone I am reminded of the huge need to reduce plastic consumption! According to the EPA, the plastic recycling rate in 2013 was 34.3 percent. This varies from city to city depending on local recycling systems, but as a whole, it’s low! It’s so easy to think putting things in a blue bin means everything will be accounted for, recycled somewhere nearby, then reused to create a new item… But the reality is, a whole lot less than you think is actually recycled. The odds of it making it’s way to a landfill or the ocean are higher. It’s a really complex issue, but what it comes down to is recycling alone is not enough (see tips listed below for reducing plastic!). If we keep producing plastic at the business as usual rate – plastics in the ocean will outweigh fish pound for pound in 2050. Shout out to my animal loving activists, you need to see this documentary and tell your friends! Plastic is killing our marine life.
For more information on this plastic craziness, you should definitely watch the trailer/movie below and read this article.
Reduce the amount of plastic you consume daily!
- Bring utensils with you when you’re on the go – place a metal fork in your bag when your headed out or look into getting some of the funky utensil sets made of bamboo. There’s a ton of options out there! Let me know which one you have and love!
- Go strawless. If you’re a straw lover, purchase one made of glass. Simply Straws makes great ones in several pretty colors.
- Bring a reusable bottle with you! I have been using this one by KOR, it comes with a filtration system. What kind of bottle do you use?
- Keep a resuable grocery bag in your car or by your front door! Bring your own produce bags to the farmers market or grocery store. These ones are made of organic cotton.
- Bring your own containers when getting take-out food.
- Shop in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
- Make your own beauty products. Do any of you make your own shampoo or conditioner? How is that working for you?
Photo Credit: NOAA
