Plastic.
It's everywhere
and
I admit:
I use it
all the time.
The effect of single use plastics
on our oceans,
however,
is devastating.
Take the Great Pacific Garbage Patch,
for example:
The non-profit
Plastic Free July
(based out of Australia)
challenges us all
to do exactly that.
Be as "plastic free"
in July
as possible.
Here's a link to the info:
Here are some ideas to "reduce your use" in July (and every other month):
1- Keep a clean reusable coffee "to-go" mug in your car. One of my best friends taught me this one. My favorite is the Contigo Mug. Although they are typically a bit more expensive than other coffee mugs, they are stainless steel, have locking lids (hey-yah! No coffee spills in my bag!), and they keep your drink hot or cold for hours.
2- Reusable bags. This one seems SO simple, but I admit: My bags like to keep my car company while I shop. I've walked MANY times in the store and realized, half-way through my trip with my cart already full-that my bags are in the car. I sometimes set my cart in a corner, run back to my car, and grab my bags...but let's be real: what a pain! Simple way to fix this?
Put the bag(s) in your purse.
Period.
These ChicoBags roll up nicely.
They also have produce bags.
3- Buy veggies plastic-free. Why do I need my zucchini wrapped in plastic wrap on a styrofoam tray? Simple answer: I don't. I'll refuse to buy veggies with a side of plastic. I only want the veggies, anyway. I don't typically go to the store and have "styrofoam tray" listed as something I want to buy that day. We are lucky to have an amazing Farmer's Market, as well as a family-owned local farm-sourced grocery store nearby. I know this isn't everyone's reality, but research your options.
...and just for kicks,
here's my favorite mockumentary
of all time:
I challenge you (and me :) to:
Be in the "now":
Remember your bags...
Remember your to-go mug...
Buy plastic-free items...
Buy items which are meant to be reusable,
not those which will last a long time in our oceans.
aloha.
