10 Steps to Take a Stand Against Our Plastic Problem
MINDSET
Make a list of the plastic that you see around you
Familiarize yourself with what you can easily give up, and what you might struggle more with, in your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, etc. First and foremost, this will help give you a stronger sense of consciousness about your consumption.
Learn about different waste systems.
Currently, the majority of the waste we create is in a linear system, where we dispose in landfills with no opportunity for regeneration. A circular economy strives to create a closed loop system, where the waste we create contributes to the production of new materials + goods.
3. Follow a few people who have dedicated themselves to going plastic-free.
Even if this is not a goal for you, these influencers have the best tips on ways to reduce waste. Some favorites include @plasticfreemermaid @sedonachristina @trashisfortossers @wastefreemarie
PURCHASES
Check out Package Free Shop and Zero Waste Store
Both of these stores offer great zero waste swaps for many plastic products! Browsing the stores will give you ideas for how to take action in a way that best suits your lifestyle.
Shop for products made with Econyl
Some of the most harmful clothing are synthetics that are often found in activewear and swimwear. The fabric Econyl is used by tons of brands that are looking to create sustainable alternatives that you can shop from (ex. Adidas, Girlfriend Collective, and Vitamin A Swim). Econyl is made of recycled materials including plastics found in the ocean!
Microfiber Filter
Here are a few links to microfiber balls, bags, & filters, which help prevent harmful microplastics in our clothing from running off during laundry and contaminating oceans:
ACTIONS
Properly recycle
Look into your recycling system! Systems vary from place to place, and ensuring proper recycling is important in reducing waste + contamination, especially in regards to plastics. Learn some basics on plastic recycling in episode 2 of environmentenlist.
Beach Clean Up
Enough said—head to the beach to protect our oceans. While disposing plastic waste in the trash still isn’t ideal (because it’s unlikely to ever fully break down and return to the Earth), it prevents the destruction of marine life and ensures that as the plastic does deteriorate, it won’t find its way into our seafood + drinking water, causing serious health issues.
Sign Petitions
Take the Plastic Free July Challenge
This challenge has a way for everyone to get involved! Give up plastic for a day, week, the full month, in any way you can fully commit to. More than anything, take the opportunity to learn more about plastic pollution this month alongside 250 million global participants!