Plastic and the oceans/ 2

[Boyd Roberts]

Follows on from

Plastic and the Oceans /1

http://igcaward.ning.com/forum/topics/plastic-and-the-oceans-1?xg_s...

This is certainly an area where personal action can have an impact.
Either we take action as individuals to reduce the problem, or we become part of the problem.

So what can we do personally about this?

A short video from The Story of Stuff Project discusses the need to reduce our production and use of plastic, rather than simply attempting to recycle what is produced.
https://www.facebook.com/storyofstuff/videos/vb.104834210883/101565...

We need to think refusable or reusable not disposable.

At school:

1. Use water fountains or a refillable long-lasting water bottle instead of single use water bottles
2. Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw
3. Give up gum. Gum is made of a synthetic rubber, aka plastic. 
4. Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups.

At home:

1. Buy boxes instead of bottles. Often, products like laundry detergent come in cardboard which is more easily recycled than plastic.
2. Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often!
3. Purchase food, like cereal, pasta, and rice from bulk bins and fill a reusable bag or container. You save money and unnecessary packaging. 
4. Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk.
5. Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages, even when ordering from a to-go shop
6. Bring your own container for take-out or your restaurant doggy-bag since many restaurants use styrofoam (polystyrene)
7. Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you'll be eating fewer processed foods! 
8. Don't use plastic cutlery at home and be sure to request restaurants do not pack them in your take-out box.
9. Ask your local grocer to take your plastic containers (for berries, tomatoes, etc.) back. If you shop at a farmers' market they can refill it for you.
10. The EPA estimates that 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers are discarded in the US each year. Use cloth diapers to reduce your baby's carbon footprint and save money. 
11. Make fresh squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles. It's healthier and better for the environment.
12. Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner

(based on http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/nationalgreenweeksub/waste-...)

We can also avoid products that contain microbeads - small particles of plastic.Check which products contain microbeads at:
http://www.beatthemicrobead.org/product-lists/

For schools wishing to make a whole school commitment to reducing plastics use visit:
Plastic Free Schools
for a guide