Plastic continues to be one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and while much of the world is still on pause, it is a good time to rethink our plastic habits.
When ordering takeout, refuse single use cutlery and bring your own cutlery kit. There are many you can purchase online to use when you are out and about, or simply use your own utensils from home. There is a movement in California to make foodware accessories available upon request. Click here to learn more. And here is an Oregon based grocery chain that has eliminated single-use service ware and straws in all their stores, offering only reusable utensils to prevent waste before it starts.
Straws are a plastic product that are found all over our oceans, damaging ecosystems and ocean wildlife that confuse them for food. Next time you are offered a straw, ask yourself if you really need one. If you do, consider bringing your own wooden or stainless steel ones. Want to feel inspired? Check out this movement started by the Jr. Ocean Guardians to just say no to straws.
And if you can replace straws, do you really need those coffee stirrers? Again, bring your own reusable stainless steel straw or use a good old fashioned spoon. While we are on the topic of coffee, how about bringing your own cup to be filled next time you visit the coffee shop? Did you know paper cups are lined with polyethylene made from petroleum in order to make them waterproof? This means those paper cups are unable to be recycled.
So if you are finding yourself with some extra time at home, spend some time planning and shopping online for some reusable options so that when the pace of the world picks up again, you will be ready to lower your impact on the environment.
(Photo above provided by 7GA Program Director Jenna Cittadino from her own personal cutlery kit!)
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