
1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are used once and then discarded. Refusing single-use plastics is one of the greatest steps you can take to support action against climate change.
-
Refuse single-use plastics such as:
-
Plastic Shopping Bags
-
-
Plastic produce bags
-
Plastic cutlery (forks, sporks, knives, spoons)
-
Plastic straws
-
Plastic water bottles
-
Plastic/Styrofoam take-out or to-go containers
-
Plastic containers
-
Plastic cups
-
Six-pack rings
-
Plastic toothbrushes
-
Cotton swabs with plastic stems
-
Plastic tape
-
Products containing microbeads (some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body soap)
-
Choose reusable options such as:
-
Canvas or other reusable bags
-
Metal cutlery or other reusable silverware
-
Paper or stainless-steel straws
-
Reusable drink bottles and cups
-
Buy products in boxes/glass/aluminum instead of plastic
-
Wax paper, foil, or silicone wraps & covers
-
Bamboo toothbrushes
-
Swabs that have paper stems
-
Masking tape
-
Use bar soaps & shampoos instead of liquids sold in plastic containers
-
Look for products/brands that don’t use microbeads
-
2. Support Legislation to Curb Plastic Production and Waste
Learn about local and/or global efforts efforts to write climate change action into law
-
In 2015 Portugal included a tax on producers of €0.10 (around $0.12) per bag for certain sizes of plastic bags.
-
In 2016, the Marshall Islands instituted a ban on the importation, manufacture, sale or distribution of Styrofoam cups and plates; disposable plastic cups and plates; and plastic shopping bags while promoting recycled paper bags and reusable bags
-
In 2018, Panama created a ban on plastic bags
3. Recycle Properly
-
Check out the Ecenter’s webpage on recyclable materials and materials that must be thrown into a landfill
-
Take a second to consider if an item is recyclable, compostable, or trash
4. Participate In (or Organize) a Beach or River Cleanup
-
Our July Newsletter newsletter featured the importance of clean, fresh water
-
Check out local clean-up efforts, such as those by Wildlife Restoration Volunteers
5. Spread the Word
-
This Summer, environmental activists staged death by plastic, a performance art piece calling attention to plastic’s direct affect on climate change
-
Watch or host a viewing party for a environmental-conscious movie or documentary
-
Share this article with your friends!
6. Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution
Some organizations include: