Welcome to our last post about plastics and a final challenge for us to be better stewards of the planet.

In previous posts, we discussed the harms of toxins in plastic and the dangers of plastic pollution in the environment. I have offered a few ways for us to replace single-use plastics with eco-friendly options. For this last post, I want to offer a few more practical resources – a list of actions you can take to support the aim of a healthier future.

As consumers, we can each do our own part to reduce the amount of plastic that is spoiling the environment. We have the power through our personal choices and will to take small, yet significant, steps. You can: 

• Move away from bottled water and switch to tap water in a stainless-steel water bottle. Buy a water filter pitcher, or even a water softener for the whole house, if you need to.
• Buy products that use no or minimal plastic packaging. Search for glass, metal, cardboard, and paper packaging that can be recycled or composted instead.
• Avoid highly processed foods which are more likely to be contaminated with plastics by the production process (even some metal food cans are lined with plastic). Instead, try more homemade cooking.
• Buy fresh food from the farmers’ markets and health food stores. If your local grocery stores allow, bring your own rigid container for the fresh meats counter.
• These suggestions are just scratching the surface! For these and MORE great ideas, check out the blog My Plastic Free Life where you can work your way through the “100 Steps to a Plastic-Free Life.”

This post is also a call to action for manufacturers, processing plants, business corporations and waste management companies to explore new eco-friendly packaging materials, to update our supply chain methods, and to innovate how we recycle and dispose of waste. Let us do our part to assist them. You can:

• Search for and support companies that are committed to going plastic-free (or even zero-waste!)
• Educate and raise awareness among friends and family about the problems and current solutions to plastic.
• Analyze and reform how your own company or business utilizes plastic.
• Contribute your knowledge and skills within your industry to form fresh perspectives and creative solutions.
• Donate money or volunteer for organizations that are cleaning up oceans, waterways, highways, etc.

Are you going to share what you have learned? Are you ready for your call to action?