Ten Easy Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint

1. Carry reusable cloth bags with you when you go shopping.
Keep a few in your purse, car, or briefcase and use them instead of plastic shopping bags. At some grocery stores, you will actually get a discount for bringing your own bag.

2. Avoid buying bottled water.
Carry a stainless steel water bottle with you, use water fountains, or drink from the tap. In the U.S., tap water is regulated much more than bottled water. It is perfectly tasty and healthy.

3. Bring your coffee mug to work and to the coffee shop.
A reusable thermos or coffee mug is easy to transport and durable. Using one will help cut down on Styrofoam cups and plastic lids.

4. Use wax paper bags and aluminum foil instead of Ziploc bags and plastic wrap.
Aluminum foil and wax paper are recyclable and can also add more protection to your food than plastic wrap. Also consider storing leftovers in a bowl with a plate over it instead of using plastic wrap.

5. Don't use straws or plastic lids on your take-out beverages.
Most of the time you don't really need a lid or a straw, especially if you are staying in a restaurant to eat. Straws were the third most common item found last year during the International Coastal Cleanup and can choke seabirds and other marine animals.

6. Resist the urge to wrap your produce in plastic.
Most produce, like a bunch of bananas or a head of broccoli, is already bundled. If you plan on washing your fruits and veggies when you get home, there is no need to put them in individual plastic bags.

7. Use a bar of soap instead of liquid soap that comes in a plastic bottle.
This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your plastic footprint. Bars of soap are often less expensive, last longer, and work just as well for washing your hands and body.

8. Avoid using plastic utensils.
Bring your own with you to work if you often take out food. If you need to buy disposable utensils for an event, look for biodegradable alternatives made out of potato or corn starch. These can easily be composted.

9. Choose products made out of natural fibers and recyclable materials and avoid excess plastic or Styrofoam packaging.
Spread the word by telling your retailer about your preference for recyclable and compostable materials. Make an effort to recycle all plastic products and packaging when you do buy them. Styrofoam peanuts and take-out containers should be totally avoided since there are many recyclable alternatives. Styrofoam is not recyclable and takes thousands of years to break down in a landfill.

10. If you see plastic litter on the street, in a creek or pond, please pick it up.
Plastic is harmful to animals and can choke or kill them. When plastic starts to break down, it releases harmful toxins that pollute waterways. Do your part to help care for our watersheds.