Why Avoid Plastic?

Plastic has only existed on our planet for a little over 100 years, yet in that time it has caused widespread damage to both human and environmental health. Made primarily from a fossil fuel called petroleum, plastic does not decompose naturally. Over time, it breaks into smaller particles that can be ingested by humans and animals. This leads to health risks, pollution, and harm to wildlife.

The good news is that every day we have the power to make choices to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. By opting for reusable bags, bottles, glass and stainless steel containers, or products with compostable packaging, we can all make a difference. While businesses are responsible for much of the plastic waste on our planet, our individual actions, when multiplied across communities, can drive real change. Our collective efforts can help protect wildlife, reduce pollution, and create a healthier future for ourselves and the Earth.

Start Small

Create a Zero Waste Travel Kit

Using items you probably own!

Building a zero-waste travel kit is all about reducing waste while you're on the go. Instead of buying new items, take a look at what you already have!

It might seem like common sense, but sometimes reminders are helpful. A reusable water bottle is a great starting point. You might also want to use a stainless steel cup or mason jar for beverages like coffee (that can even double as to-go containers). A utensil set, including a metal straw, will definitely come in handy. Cloth napkins or towels are perfect to have for easy clean-ups. Reusable bags are essential for a variety of situations, but if you find yourself without one, opt for a paper bag instead. Keep all of these items in a small basket to stay organized, and grab them as needed.

These small actions don’t take much effort, but can significantly change how you perceive your impact on the world.

First Steps

Avoid the items found most often in coastal cleanups.

Cigarette butts, plastic bottles, straws, plastic grocery bags, and foam packaging are commonly found along beaches. These single-use items can persist in the environment for centuries, harming marine life and polluting our coasts. By raising awareness of the long-term effects of our daily choices, we can make a difference. Instead of opting for convenience, we can choose to refuse these items. Every “no” to plastic is a “yes” to cultivating new habits that benefit our communities and our shores.

Make The Switch

The awareness of how often plastic is woven into everyday life can be a catalyst for change. Little intentional shifts in your habits can have a big impact over time. Your health and the planet are always worth prioritizing.

How much plastic is in your routine right now? Take note of the materials you use each day. Once you identify what needs to be changed, you'll be ready to take meaningful action.
Glass and stainless steel are excellent choices for replacing the plastic items in your life. They are long-lasting and non-toxic.
While parchment paper or aluminum foil are better alternatives to plastic wrap, beeswax wraps offer an eco-friendly option with the added fun of decorative designs.
Switching to these materials reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
Glass items are often available at secondhand stores, making them both an affordable and sustainable option when making the switch.
While stainless steel and glass products might be more expensive and harder to find, they are well worth the investment. Each purchase you make is a vote for the kind of lifestyle you wish to have.
Two resources to shop sustainably online:
Seed & Sprout and The Good Fill

Learn more from the experts…

101 Ways To Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg

“It’s not about perfection,” Kellogg says. “It’s about making better choices.”

Let's Read It

How To Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum

A Guide to Changing the World, One Plastic Bottle at a Time

Let's Read It