Big Picture Impact: By reducing single-use plastics, you'll help decrease the amount of plastic waste generated. If every household in the U.S. replaced one plastic bag per week with a reusable alternative, the country would save over 1 billion plastic bags annually. Small changes can lead to massive environmental benefits when adopted collectively.
MONTHLY GOAL: START BY BRINGING REUSABLE BAGS, WATER BOTTLES A reusable water bottle can save an average of 167 plastic bottles per person annually., AND COFFEE CUPS WHEN GOING OUT. THIS SMALL CHANGE CAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE.
FREE ALTERNATIVE: REFUSE PLASTIC STRAWS AND UTENSILS WHEN ORDERING TAKEOUT. BRING YOUR OWN IF YOU HAVE THEM, OR SIMPLY USE YOUR HANDS FOR FINGER FOODS.
DAILY ACTIVITY: Track the number of times you refuse single-use plastics (like bags, straws, or cutlery) each day. Aim to increase this number over the month.
OTHER DAILY ACTIVITIES:
· Refuse plastic straws and lids when ordering drinks.
· Choose unpackaged produce and bulk food to minimize plastic packaging.
· Carry your own reusable utensils and napkins when dining out or traveling.
· Support businesses that use compostable or plastic-free packaging.
WHY DOES IT MATTER: Each year, about 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans. Refusing single-use plastics helps reduce this pollution, which harms marine life and ecosystems.
IT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY: By bringing your own reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee cups, you could save around $10-15 per month by avoiding purchasing single-use items. Some places also charge for plastic bags, adding to potential savings.
IF YOU WANT TO INVOLVE YOUR KIDS: Encourage kids to participate in a “plastic-free challenge” at school or home. They can pack their lunch in reusable containers and use a reusable water bottle and utensils.
BE A CHANGE MAKER: bring reusable bags to the grocery store for produce/bulk food. use them in public. influence others!
