Sylvia Earle on the Oceans

 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012


STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO CUT PLASTIC WASTE

Please feel free to add to the list.
·        Let recycling become second nature. If your community currently does not offer pick-up recycling programs for #1 and #2 plastics contact your city or town hall to request one. It will make a world of difference in reducing our consumption of plastics waste.
·        The best solution to plastic bag waste is to bring your own bags when you shop not only to the grocery store but the drugstore or mall. There are many choices out there such as cotton, canvas, or even hemp bags and then there are the ultra-light compact Chicobags that you can throw in your car or purse so that you will always have one handy to use.
·        Use reusable cotton mesh produce sacks instead of the flimsy plastic produce bags.
·        You can also recycle plastic bags and use them to knit many items
·        Use alternatives to plastic water bottles.  Kleen Kanteen and SIIG water bottles are safe stainless steel bottles that are available in many sizes.
·        Use recycled or biodegradable compostable garbage bags.
·        When storing leftovers, packing lunches or foods to go use containers that come in endless different sizes and shapes instead of plastic baggies or foil.
·        Request that you favorite take-out place not include the plastic utensils when they pack your food. On the same note request they do not put a plastic lid on your soft drink and then you won’t need a plastic straw.
·        Take your reusable coffee tumbler with you when get coffee to-go.
·        If you get a daily newspaper request that it not be wrapped in plastic when delivered. Better yet if you have internet access cancel your subscription and go online for your news (that will help to save trees).
·        Ask your dry-cleaners to eliminate the plastic wrap on your clothes.
The following suggestions which are worth noting came from an article written by Kimberly Amaral:
Educate others about the problem of marine debris, enhancing "voluntary compliance through awareness."
Get involved – Locate or start a coastal cleanup in your area

http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/people/kamaral/plasticsarticle.htmlhttp://www.whoi.edu/science/B/people/kamaral/plasticsarticle.html


2 comments:

  1. Hey, please add a link for knitting w/plastics. Although, I myself will do a search. I tried using store plastic bags (doubled) for freezing but still got freezer burn. I use Sliders now and wash them in hot soapy water. I probably haven't bought any for 3 or 4 years.

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  2. http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-knit-with-plastic-bags.htm

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