Ready to help us in our global campaign to end plastic pollution? Learn more with our
Plastic Pollution Primer and Action Toolkit, then follow the suggestions below.
Reduce
Reduce your own plastic waste. Start by
using our plastic calculator to track how much you use — then you can take steps to reduce your use and waste.
Reuse
Bring your own reusable shopping and produce bags to markets, and avoid using single-use plastic bags. Bring your own reusable coffee cup when going out to get beverages. Like sipping through straws? Get a reusable stainless steel, glass, or bamboo one to use instead of wasteful plastic ones. Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, invest in a water filter and reusable water bottle(s). Bonus: it’s cheaper in the long run. Make your own reusable cloth bags from old t-shirts, using basic sewing skills (or no sewing at all). (
Find simple instructions online). Choose clothing and other personal items made from earth-friendly materials instead of microfibers and other synthetic fibers, which pollute our water. (Even more ways to
green your style.) Bring a reusable container to a restaurant with you when you expect to have leftovers.
Refuse
Refuse straws: It’s as simple as adding, “No straw, please” when requesting beverages at restaurants or cafes. Refuse beverage tops. (Are you really going to spill?)
Remove
Pick up trash in your neighborhood and when visiting parks and beaches.
Recycle
Recycle the plastics you use and no longer need. Return single-use bags to grocery stores for them to recycle.
Rally
Does your city or state have bans on single-use plastics? Send a letter or call your local elected leaders, urging them to ban plastic bags and other single-use plastic items. Share our
Plastic Toolkit and Primer and
plastic calculator with your friends. Vote for candidates committed to protecting and improving our environment.
