Top 10 Trash Categories

Take a careful look at the categories on this list, and you'll notice a theme. 

Plastic is durable, lightweight, see-through, and convenient. It's positioned as recyclable, but not enough people take that action. Plus, not all plastic is recyclable, and not every city prioritizes recycling with dedicated trash barrels.

We can all do a small part to beautify our beaches, and sea life everywhere appreciates the generosity of your time.

Here we go!

1. Plastic Bottles (and Caps)

It's a landslide win for bottles and caps. On some beaches, it's hard to walk more than a few feet before spotting one. Sometimes, they blend in entirely.

If you don't already recycle on your own at home, be sure to screw on your bottle caps before tossing them away. That way, fewer loose caps mix among the seashells.

2. Styrofoam Bits

We all know plastic-based styrofoam's lifespan...forever. It's incredibly insulating, both hot and cold. People bundle up in the winter to trap our own body heat, wrapping ourselves in cocoons of warm air. Styrofoam also traps small air bubbles within its material, preventing heat transfer.

In the environment, styrofoam may break down into smaller pieces, but these are one the largest components of the microplastic blooms of the open ocean. Some companies use paper and plant resin-based alternative insulators these days, which we love.

3. Food Wrappers

You name it, we've seen it. Candy bar wrappers. Bottle wrappers. Plastic wrap. They are instantly recognizable from years of advertising. Most stand out against the sand, yet they remain scatter across beaches.

Our advise is to pocket wrappers after eating. Beaches are windy. Don't just put them in cup holders or beach bags, and under weighted items. That's asking for them to get swept away. Also, try cellophane instead of plastic wrap. (It's natural and compostable.)

4. Plastic Straws

How exactly do plastic straws leave our cups? Don't we notice they're missing? Regardless, many progressive cities across California, Oregon, and Washington have taken steps to restrict or ban the use of single-use plastic straws. Mexico and China also have recently banned their use.

There are plenty of alternatives. Reusable straws made of aluminum are growing in popularity. Straws made of wheat hay (yes, hay) are disposable, and they don't wilt like paper. 

5. Plastic Cutlery

Here, we offer the same advise as with food wrappers: pocket your cutlery after using it. Or, tuck it into your food container to keep it safely out of the ocean.

Since plastic doesn't biodegrade well, plastic cutlery can certainly be reused. It may warp or melt in your dishwasher, so hand wash in the sink. Then add them to the back of your fork, knife, and spoon drawer.

6. Cups & Lids

This one strikes a chord. We've set out to create a new kind of cup, one that doesn't harm marine life. Cups (and their lids) are so useful, but convenience comes with responsibility.

Be sure to toss your cups inside a trash can, including their lids and straws. Leaning or stacking is not okay...why let the wind take it to the ocean? Better still, invest in something reusable, like a to-go travel mug or Hydroflask.

7. Cigarette Butts

We know that the beach is not a giant ashtray. Yet cigarette butts of all varieties litter our shores. If you smoke, quit. If you're actively quitting, excellent choice for your health and the health of the ocean.

If you extinguish your butts in the sand, don't leave them there. Many beaches have conveniently located trash barrels right on the sand. If not, just hang onto it until you find one. Fish don't like cigarette ends any more than people do.

8. Balloons

Like rainbow jellyfish, deflated balloons bob through the ocean swells. Sea turtles and other marine life have difficulty telling them apart from the real thing. Eating them can be lethal.

There endless ways to celebrate. Streamers, garlands, and pom poms are all great balloon alternatives. Still want something that floats? Try bubbles. They're an ageless party favorite.

9. Lighters

It doesn't matter what you smoke, you'll need a lighter. Matches are impossible to light at the beach. Lose yours? You can just pick up another one for a dollar at the next gas station.

Nothing about them is good for the environment. The aluminum top and plastic base never fully biodegrade, and the butane or naphtha liquid inside contain volatile organic compounds. These substances help form a pollutant called ground level ozone. Yup, another ozone layer...

10. Forgotten Beach Toys

Parenting is tough, a constant game of picking up and cleaning. Most beach toys are plastic since it's easy to mold, color, and is lightweight and safe for kids. But leaving toys behind is still littering, no matter how unintentional.

Our advise is, do a quick toy count before you step onto the sand. Leave the car with 14 toys? Leave the beach with 14 toys. (And your children, of course!) 

Our Hope

With Ocean CUPS, we have not set out to demonize plastic. Enough organizations and people do that already. Of course, we hope that everyone pursues plastic alternatives and reduces usage, but we also know that behavior change starts small.

We want to present solutions, not merely call out problems. Hopefully, this list gives prepares you to have that seagull eye as you walk along your next shoreline. (Yes, they have incredible eyesight too!)

The Wave

We invite you to join our community, The Wave where we share amazing "ocean magic," helpful beach cleanup tips, and product updates as we work through our research and development process.

Never email trash, just the good stuff.

And next, check out How To Organize, so you can turn inspiration...into action!

Thank you for being you.