More than 8 million tons of plastic enter our waterways each year. And as you know, this affects not only the environment but also the creatures that live it.
Because of this staggering amount of plastic pollution, an organization called Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) is partnering with 19 U.S. aquariums to reduce ocean and freshwater plastic pollution. Together, they are pledging to eliminate plastic waste such as plastic straws and carrier bags from their facilities.
ACP kicked off the In Our Hands campaign, with the mission to “take action together to advance ocean and freshwater conservation.”
In addition to the ACP’s success with aquariums, they are also vowing to:
See how one small choice makes a big difference. Start with using a reusable drink cup and see the impact you can make.
Save our seas from plastic cups
1 million plastic cups are used every day in Greece, just for takeaway coffee ☕
But there’s a simple solution… http://act.gp/2tZgRtI
#NoPlastic
Posted by Greenpeace International on Monday, July 10, 2017
Tell us what choices you are making to reduce your family’s use of plastic products. Just leave a comment below!Resources:
I always try to make sure my reusable cup is with me. If it is not, I opt for places I know of that serve coffee in a paper cup. I do not get a lid or a straw to go with my beverages, ever. If I must buy something in plastic, I always make sure it sees several uses, instead of being an instant throw away. One of my favorite ways to avoid plastic? When I stop for ice cream it’s always in a cone, instead of I throw away container, plastic or paper.
We like the way you think, Kelly! Thanks for the great tips, AND for the reminder that ice cream is always in order!
We do not use plastic in our kitchen any more. Not even baggies. Our drink cups are glass or stainless steel, even our on the go cups. We are working on the rest of the house. We have donated all our plastic or recycled it. It is a great feeling. We use Norwex and I am a consultant now. I dont even buy chemicals anymore so we are not having to throw the plastic away or use harmful chemicals.
Other than drink cups, and other food packaging, there are many consumer products that come in blister packs–strong containers made of plastic to hold hardware, and many other items. It would be interesting to see what manufacturing companies have for alternatives to plastic in their packaging.
On Amazon (and probably other sites), there is an option for “hassle free packaging” (or some such differentiation). This is what I choose when it’s available, and my hope is that it will become more readily available as more and more consumers take efforts to improve the environment. The hard part for me is that there are sometimes not alternatives (prescription medications) and, where recycling is “offered”, it’s not ideal (either location, or, as my current apartment community does it, requires all items to be in a clear plastic bag – say huh? use plastic to recycle plastic?)
Even as a child, I have felt plastic is dangerous for the environment and especially for humans. And I was born before plastic became so prevalent in our society. I use glass for drinks and food storage and purchase as little as possible packaged in plastic (sometime you have not choice), but I transfer it to glass as soon as possible. The medical field is always decrying the danger of sugar in sodas but I’ve never had a medical professional tell me to avoid sodas in plastic containers. I even cringe at drinking water in those plastic bottles. I’m fortunate that I have a well, which gives me more control of my water; filtered as it comes into the storage tank, filtered as it leaves the tank, filtered as it enters the house. My family still prefer the plastic bottles (they feel it’s more sterile). Annual testing of my water has never shown any contaminants in the water. I burn the plastic out of doors then put the remaining residuals in the trash. This is probably just as damaging as… Read more »
our family takes our reusable stainless steel water bottles with us whenever we leave our home. Not only can we stay hydrated, it reduces the temptation to grab those single-use options! I love that more and more places are installing water bottle filling stations–it’s wonderful to see the innovation and support.
If I forget my glass coffee cup when out – I simply don’t order take-away…☕️ And I love coffee
Not only reusable cups but also Norwex Reusable Straws. I have several sets. When I got my straws I sewed up a quick little drawstring bag to keep them in and I keep that in my purse. I also made one to keep in my car. Then I have another set in the house. I love them and I’ve had many people ask me about them when I’m out and about.
I refuse to accept a drinking straw at restaurants. I also tell the people I’m with about all the plastic waste in the oceans, hoping they will join the crusade to help our planet.
I always carry my reusable water bottle. I use reusable produce bags at the grocery store.
I use a glass water bottle and glass sippy cups for my kids. They do have plastic lids but the are reused. I also am in the process of converting my food storage to glass, the tops are still plastic as I don’t think and one makes them in glass as well due to sealing issues. I want to try the Norwex straws. I assume there a cleaning tool need to too to make that work.
I learned from another site that I used to pollute with micro-plastics just by brushing me teeth. Recently I switched to a toothpaste that contains no micro-plastics.
Yes, it’s scary to think that we could be washing microbeads down the drain (and into our waterways) every time we do something as simple as brushing our teeth! Glad you made the switch, Don!
I use reusable cups and water bottles as often as possible.
Eliminating single use plastic bags, cups, lids, straws is the best way to go. I carry my stainless steel straw with me to use or else I drink without a straw.
Reusable cups, mugs, water bottles, fabric shopping bags, bring your own container to the grocery store for bulk purchases. Pack lunches in washable containers (glass and stainless steel), make my own napkins out of cloth left over from projects, washable mop heads. Made my own baby wipes with flannel…… on and on
That’s great, Sharon!! Keep up the good work! So glad you’re a part of the Movement!
I am working on making a stronger effort to eliminate plastic as much as possible. I recently purchased the stainless steel straws from Norwex, I keep reusable grocery bags in my car, and recycle what I am using. I never gave any thought to plastic reusable containers. I will work on converting to glass.
I try to, but I get lazy.. I am going to try to get better at it!