Cut Your Plastic Use to Save Our Oceans

Plastic is suffocating our planet, and it’s the number one source of trash in our oceans. All of the plastic in our oceans is like a giant sea monster that is killing millions of birds, fish and marine mammals. While it might seem suitable to our lifestyles, it's not so convenient that it’s here to stay for a long time. Plastic products will live for anywhere from 1,000 to one million years. Approximately one thousand years ago, paper and gunpowder were introduced. Europe started to move into the Middle Ages. The Ice Age came to a close a million years ago and Homo Erectus (our forefathers) started to walk upright and learned to use fire. Can you imagine what our land and water will look like if we continue using plastic at our current rates? We have the opportunity to stop shrink wrapping our planet by cutting our plastic use. Here are some tips to get your started and learn more at Save My Oceans.

1. Sign the pledge. Join thousands of others who are demonstrating their commitment to a plastic-free world with the Save My Oceans pledge.
2. Drink smart water. The only smart water comes from your tap, not a bottle. All you need is a reusable metal bottle and perhaps a filter on your tap to ensure the water is clean and safe.
3. Kiss your plastic bags goodbye. Well, first make sure they’re recycled, and then invest in some attractive, durable and highly reusable bags.
4. Cut plastic out. The plastics [pdf] provides good alternatives to common plastic consumer products such as utensils, coffee cups, toys, containers, straws and razors.
5. Ban plastic bags. Countless cities, states and even countries have implemented bans and taxes to drastically reduce plastic bag usage. Start a movement in your community today.
6. Recycle. It’s that simple. For those more obscure products, find a recycling spot near you.
7. Get clean. Whether you live inland or on a coast, there's a waterway filled with trash. Join a clean-up day this year.
8. Be inspired. As I profiled earlier, there are many artists creating beautiful things out of plastic. Why can’t we all do the same? Balance out your left and right brains and create some masterpieces.
9. Get involved. Groups like Food and Water Watch, Corporate Accountability International the Plastic Pollution Coalition and Rise Above Plastics are leading efforts to educate consumers and advocate for plastic policy changes. Read the stories of the inspiring individuals who are taking extreme measures to save our planet from plastic.
10. Share your ideas. Help others out by sharing your ideas for how to reduce our addiction to plastic.

Photo credit: woodleywonderworks