What You Can Do to End Plastic Pollution

Reduce

Reduce your own plastic waste. Start by tracking how much you use — then you can take steps to reduce your use and waste.

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Reuse

Bring your own reusable shopping and produce bags to markets, and avoid using single-use plastic bags.

Bring your own reusable coffee cup when going out to get beverages.

Like sipping through straws? Get a reusable stainless steel, glass, or bamboo one to use instead of wasteful plastic ones.

Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, invest in a water filter and reusable water bottle(s). Bonus: it’s cheaper in the long run.

Make your own reusable cloth bags from old t-shirts, using basic sewing skills (or no sewing at all).

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Choose clothing and other personal items made from earth-friendly materials instead of microfibers and other synthetic fibers, which pollute our water. (Even more ways to green your style.)

Bring a reusable container to a restaurant with you when you expect to have leftovers.

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Refuse

*Refuse straws: It’s as simple as adding, “No straw, please” when requesting beverages at restaurants or cafes.

Refuse beverage tops. (Are you really going to spill?)

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Remove

Pick up trash in your neighborhood and when visiting parks and beaches.

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Recycle

Recycle the plastics you use and no longer need.

Return single-use bags to grocery stores for them to recycle.