Earth Day 2025

It’s time for you to start cutting out that plastic. This Plastic Pollution Primer and Action Toolkit is full of tips and guides for how to minimize your consumption of plastic. The most important step we can take to limit the amount of plastic pollution that makes its way into our oceans is to reduce the amount of plastic we consume in the first place.

• You can buy reusable Farmer's Market String Bags that replace the plastic bags you use for bulk produce at the grocery store.
• You can purchase Canvas Tote and leave them in your car for anytime you go shopping.
• Get a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones and throwing them out. This is much better for your health as well!
• Reusable PUL lined Snack Bags or Sandwich Wraps that effectively replace single use sandwich bags.
• Consider trying washable reusable UNpaper® Towels and Cloth Wipes instead of disposable ones
• When you finally decide to get rid of old clothes, toys, furniture, or electronics, donate them rather than throwing them away.
• Use dishes, glasses, and metal silverware instead of their plastic counterparts.

According to the New York Times, the main cause for the increase in plastic production is the rise of plastic packaging. In 2015 packaging accounted for 42% of non-fiber plastic produced. That year, packaging also made up 54% of plastics thrown away. Read more: Plastic Pollution Primer and Action Toolkit

Consume what you need. Many plastic products you may frequently use are generally unnecessary – do you really need a straw to drink a glass of water? It is important to only consume what you need, especially when it comes to plastics. Many of the most commonly disposed of plastic products have viable alternatives. Always ask yourself if you can get the same product without consuming plastic before you buy something.

Commit to reducing your use of single-use plastics in your daily life. Say no to plastic bags, straws, water bottles, and other disposable items. Seek sustainable alternatives instead. You can try this lifestyle change for any period of time – a day, a week or as long as you want to keep challenging yourself.