Plastic pollution is a global problem. But the solution starts local.
The Progression Foundation envisions a world without plastic pollution through sharing information and sparking inspiration for action and change.
Was a straw the first introduction to our world’s plastic pollution? It was for a lot of us. If you haven’t seen the video where a turtle cries as blood streams down its nostrils while volunteers struggle to dislodge a straw stuck within its nose then you best be clicking that hyperlink. You’ll never want to use a straw again! Which is great and all–we all need to #StopSucking. However, the attack on straws represents a greater issue.
Plastic pollution is suffocating our earth. Sea creatures are swimming in trash. Waves of plastics are washing up on our shores. National Geographic reports that 73% of beach litter worldwide is plastic. And (sadly) the amount of plastic production is increasing, instead of coming to a halt.
(STAT) Since the 1950s, around 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced worldwide.
The Guardian reported that an estimated 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s — an equivalent weight of more than 800,000 Eiffel Towers.
And only 9% of it has been recycled.
And its impact is being felt by hundreds of species of seabirds, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life that ingest or get entangled in plastic. Once produced, most plastics won’t decompose for 450+ years (if they decompose at all), meaning that a one-time-use plastic purchase could potentially spend eternity on our beautiful earth. The impact is seen and felt around the world.
With all these big numbers and crazy stats being thrown at us, it can seem like whatever we do it just won’t be enough. But that’s where we’re here to let you know that no matter how small your action is, it HELPS! We’ll be sharing one tip a week on social media to keep the convo going.
Follow us on Instagram @BeProFoundorg and Facebook to get our ProFound Plastic-Free tip of the week and #BeProFound for our Earth! Want to win some Stop Sucking Swag?! Add your comment below or tag us in a social media post with your Reduce, Reuse & Recycle tip for a chance to win swag and be featured here on our blog and social media channels.
WEEK ONE: REDUCE:
Ask your pizza place to skip the plastic centerpiece in the box when you order. Your pizza may not thank you but all of the animals that might eat it will.
Week Two:
Only clean plastic can be recycled. Make sure you wash any containers before you place into your recycling bin.
Week Three: Check your plastics and avoid the worst ones.
Yes, if you can avoid all plastic that’s the best solution. But the first step in going plastic free is being conscious about the ones you. Check the bottom of any plastic container for their number (1-7). The worst ones are 3, 6 & 7.
3 is Polyvinyl Chloride, which is extremely toxic plastic containing hazardous additives like lead. Commonly found in plastic wrap, nut butter jars, some squeeze bottles and kid’s toys.
6 is Polystyrene, which is toxic for ourselves and the environment. (HMMMM let’s seriously avoid this one!!) Found in styrofoam, disposable and take out containers and plastic cutlery.
7 is Polycarbonate and “other” plastics (ummmm….”other”? #notokay). It’s found in metal can liners, clear plastic cups, and juice and ketchup bottles.
BONUS TIP:
Use non-plastic containers.
Mason jars are *literally* life-savers. Bring reusables with you when you go shopping. Take note of how much they weigh before filling. Keep a note in your phone on how much they weigh, so you don’t have to repeat the process or remember numbers.
Week Four: Shop at your local farmer’s market
Shopping at your local farmer’s market is a great way to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce your plastic consumption — just don’t forget your own bags!
Something else we think is great: at the local Farmer’s Market here in Hermosa Beach, they just started a “Bucks for Buckets” campaign, meaning if you bring pale of trash collected at the beach (which they provide the pale), you can trade it in for bucks to spend at the market. All around great concept to get people to buy fresh AND keep your local city clean and green.
Week Five: Donate Unwanted Plastic
Instead of tossing what you don’t need, look for an organization that could use it. Items like old ladders and dog crates might seem like trash, but to a lot of local non-profits, they are super useful. Also, opt to give away for free on sites like Next Door or Offer Up. You know what they say: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Week Six: REDUCE: The No-Poo Method
No, we’re not talking about . This week’s plastic-free tip is all about washing our hair. It’s a simple method that will keep more shampoo bottles from washing up on shores
It’s called the No-Poo method and it’s super simple. First, create a 2 tbsp baking soda to 2 cups water mix to clean your hair (lather like normal shampoo). Then, rinse with an apple cider vinegar and water mix (same ratio as the first). To help with shine, softness, and smell, add some essential oil after rinse (no need to rinse here).
Essential oils we like:
– basil: promotes growth
– chamomile: conditions and helps psoriasis
– sage: helps with dry scalp
– eucalyptus: encourages a healthy scalp
– citrus: adds natural shine
Week Seven: Reduce: Watch What You Wear
Instead, look for organic cotton, hemp, ethically-raised wool, and other natural fibers and dress to impress…and save the environment (and our health!)
Week Eight: Let Your Voice Be Heard!
We are a nonprofit organization that strive to inspire action towards a plastic-free future by combining adventure, education, and youth empowerment. To learn more about our organization check out our website
https://plastictides.org/
