Ten Ways To “Rise Above Plastic.”
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Choose to reuse when it comes to shopping bags and bottled water. Cloth bags and metal or glass reusable bottles are available locally at great prices.
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Refuse single-serving packaging, excess packaging, straws and other “disposable” plastics. Carry reusable utensils in your purse, backpack or car to use at bbq’s, potlucks or take-out restaurants.
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Reduce everyday plastics such as sandwich bags and juice cartons by replacing them with a reusable lunch bag/box that includes a thermos.
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Bring your to-go mug with you to the coffee shop, smoothie shop or restaurants that let you use them, which is a great way to reduce lids, plastic cups and/or plastic-lined cups.
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Go digital! No need for plastic cds, dvds and jewel cases when you can buy your music and videos online.
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Seek out alternatives to the plastic items that you rely on.
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Recycle. If you must use plastic, try to choose #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE), which are the most commonly recycled plastics. Avoid plastic bags and polystyrene foam as both typically have very low recycling rates.
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Volunteer at a beach cleanup. Surfrider Foundation Chapters often hold cleanups monthly or more frequently.
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Support plastic bag bans, polystyrene foam bans and bottle recycling bills.
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Spread the word. Talk to your family and friends about why it is important to reduce plastic in our lives and the nasty impacts of plastic pollution.
