Clean
Ocean Action’s
12 Steps to Kick
Your Plastic Habit
Our use of single-use plastic is an addiction and the harmful effects
reach around the globe. As a
petro-chemical, every piece of plastic is related to oil drilling, pollution
from refineries, and more chemical contamination. However, the most visible impact is litter
found in every habitat on the planet, especially waterways. Today, the ocean is awash in plastics, killing
or harming marine life by ingestion or entanglement. While some plastics do have a role in
society, we must reduce our overuse. You
can help. Use this 12-Step Guide to help
break your addiction to single-use plastic. Integrate these steps into your
lifestyle and reduce your plastic waste.
1.
Recognize your plastic habit. Understanding your use of disposables is the first
step to reducing usage. Look at your
trash. Take special note of items with excess packaging, or any items that are
single-use. Make a list of how many
disposable items are in your trash. Make
a personal goal to reduce or ban those items.
2. Know the numbers. Recycle more plastics by familiarizing yourself with
the recycling number system. The “chasing arrow” indicates that it can be
recycled and the number inside the arrows indicates the type of plastic from
which the material is made. “1” (PETE) and “2” (HDPE) are the most widely
recyclable. Check with your municipality to see if they accept other numbers.
3. Be straw-free.
Americans
use around 500 million straws a day! Just say “hold the straw.” There are also plenty
of reusable straw options, such as glass, stainless steel, and bamboo.
4. Ban the bead. Avoid using any products that contain microbeads, such
as the ingredients polyethylene and polypropylene.
5. BYOB. Bring your own Bag and Bottle! Putting a reusable
bag in your car, briefcase, backpack or purse, and carrying a reusable bottle
are easy ways to start plastic-free habits.
6. Fork it over. Don’t
accept plastic ware for take-out. Bring your own silverware. Better yet pack your own meal in a reusable lunch box/bag, and
use reusable sandwich bags or containers.
7.
DIY at home.
Clean your house using products you already own
(lemons, vinegar, baking soda) instead of buying harsh chemicals in plastic
containers. Look on-line for “recipes”.
8. Can it. Choose cans over plastic. Most cans contain 50
percent or more recycled aluminum. A used aluminum can is recycled and back on
the grocery shelf as a new can in as little as 60 days. Better yet, use
your reusable bottle!
9. Be a smart shopper.
Look
before you buy. Avoid items with excess packaging and
disposable towelettes. Use a sponge or rag instead. Be creative.
10. Support action. Stay informed about plastic and microplastic
policies, and take action to support these policies. Contact COA for current actions.
11.
Rally more converts. Help friends and family
understand the importance of reducing plastic usage, and show them available
alternatives. Tell us about your
progress!
12.
Join the campaign. Supporting COA’s Crowdrise campaign for
microplastic research will ensure the availability of ongoing information and
resolutions for a clean, healthy ocean.
Share with us your progress on social media:
Please like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CleanOcean
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https://twitter.com/CleanOcean
Show us some love on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/cleanoceanaction/
www.CleanOceanAction.org
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