9 Everyday Ways To Help Reduce Ocean Plastic

Most people think it’s this huge lifestyle change. To save the oceans, we need to join a commune, wear flowers in our hair, and tie-dye our clothing...

It’s not that drastic.

Here are nine easy changes we can make in our everyday lives. They help to reduce plastic intake, and therefore, reduce the amount of plastic potentially entering our oceans.

1. Eliminate single-use plastics.

Ziploc bags perhaps take the crown as the single toughest household item to replace. That makes plastic plates the first runner up and plastic cutlery second.

Many reusable silicone or paper bag replacements work amazingly well. They can store liquids, survive repeat dishwasher loads and withstand many trips to the freezer. And for picnics, paper plates and compostable forks, spoons, and knives can be reused many times before disposing.

2. Replace your Tupperware and GladWare.

Glass, bamboo, and silicone container options, like Nummyware, make excellent alternatives.

Over time, your plastic-ware will crack and break. That’s the time to replace it with something better. Not only are these more sustainable materials, but there’s no risk of BPAs leaching into your food and drink. 

BPA stands for bisphenol A, which according to the Mayo Clinic, can affect brain and prostate gland development in fetuses, infants and children, behavior in children later in life, and possibly increase blood pressure in adults. Glass and silicone options are usually BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

3. Check labels for microbeads.

As you buy new cosmetics, toiletries, and bathroom supplies, watch out for (and avoid) microbeads.

They sometimes go by other petrochemical (oil-based) plastic names, like polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, so be careful. Consider buying from companies that ship refills in minimal packaging, so you can refill your soap, shampoo, and conditioner bottles with minimal additional packaging.

4. Look for clothing made of hemp or bamboo.

When it’s time for wardrobe additions, they are popular, comfortable, sustainable materials.

These specific plants require less water than cotton, for example, before harvest, so it’s a win-win. Most are just as durable as cotton-poly blends and may be washed/dried like normal. Also consider companies who upcycle (or respin) old clothes into new ones.

5. Buy nonperishable food in bulk.

Look for rice, beans, and pasta in particular to reduce your reliance on plastic packaging.

Store them in glass jars (or your other bamboo or silicone containers to avoid spoiling. Chances are, you will use these non-perishables before they...well...perish, so buy away in bulk. Plus they can beautify our cabinets with natural color!

6. Buy cellophane or reusable beeswax coverings, not plastic wrap.

Who knew that cellophane was plant-based, made of cellulose? And bees help produce something better.

Cellulose builds up the primary cell wall of green plants, including algae, like kelp in the ocean. That makes cellophane biodegradable and compostable, so long as it avoids additives and petroleum-based coatings. Beeswax-coated wrappings are even better plastic-free options that fully biodegrade.

7. Avoid aluminum foil. Period.

Aluminum is a neurotoxin, bone weakener, and kidney antagonist. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

Beyond foil, we see aluminum in antacids, make-us, some aspirin, and antiperspirants. When we add citrus or tomatoes to foil packets, their acid actively pulls aluminum into our food.

Opt for glass bottles of your favorite beverages, not cans, whenever you can. Over time, replace your pots and pans with stainless steel. Replace your cutleruy with stainless steel and your utensils with bamboo. Use silicone baking mats. (These are absolute gamechangers.) Fall in love with glass containers and silicone lids. Store leftover fruits and vegetables in beeswax wraps or clean hand towels. Use parchment paper for your fish and meat packets.

Not ready to toss your half-used roll? Only use it as a food covering, wash and dry after use, and then dispose in your recycling bin.

8. Keep reusable tote bags (like canvas) in your car.

That way, whenever you head to the grocery store, you can avoid plastic bags at checkout.

WIth your own bags, you avoid a $0.10 charge per bag and some stores offer a $0.05 credit per bag. That’s a net savings of nearly $1.00 for every six-bag haul of groceries! Obviously, these bags are multipurpose, so use them for road trips and beach cleanups, too.

9. Always recycle your paper, plastic, and glass.

Investigate your city’s policy (if it’s not obvious with a blue/green recycling barrel), and participate.

Conservative estimates suggest that less than 15% of recyclable items are recycled. A big part of that is effort. If you simply throw everything away, it goes straight to the dump. So don’t do that!

Divide your trash in the kitchen. If needed, drive it to a local recycling center each week. It’s an extra step, but it sure beats the alternative: harming ocean life.

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Our hope is to inspire people to perform their own small-scale beach cleanups whenever they visit our beautiful oceans. Every bit helps, so we hope you join the community and share your stories.

Thanks, and we’ll see you on the next wave!

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