The Solution
We need to hold corporations accountable and seek out legislation to change policies around plastic production and solve for end-of-life solutions if produced. But we as consumers make choices every day. We have the opportunity to vote with every dollar we spend to send a strong united message to the corporations. Take action now by employing some of the following actions:
- Refuse all single use items
- Bring your reusable bags for shopping
- Bring your reusable produce bags
- Carry a reusable coffee cup that doubles as a water bottle with you always
- Have a set of utensils which includes a reusable straw. You can even make your own with your own utensils. You don’t always need to buy something new to find an alternative
- Start shopping the perimeter of your grocery store more than the center of the store
- Start composting
- If you are buying something in plastic opt for a multi-serve option vs. single serve (i.e. yogurt)
- Switch to bar soap shampoo and conditioner
- Switch to a safety razor
- Use reusable cotton rounds
- Use cloths towels and napkins
- Switch to bamboo toilet paper and paper towels
- Buy loose organic produce and eat more of it since it can be zero waste. Visit your local farmers market
- If you have an option between a glass container or plastic container, always opt for glass
- Start shopping at stores that offer bulk food, cleaning and/or personal care items without packaging and bring your own container
- Switch to biodegradable compostable sponges and cleaning utensils
- Use a bamboo toothbrush and silk dental floss
- DIY your cleaning and personal care items
- Enjoy your ice cream in a cone