A Guide to Plastic Free July
Celebrating Plastic Free July for our Oceans
There’s 150 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean right now. Next year, there will be 8 million more. It’s hard to visualize what 8 million metric tons per year looks like in an ocean as big as our planet’s, but the Ocean Conservancy lays it out plainly: imagine one NYC-sized trash truck dumping a full load of plastic into the ocean every minute, of every day, for a year. That’s 1,440 truckloads for 365 days. Plastic harms our sea life first and foremost; it’s been found in the stomachs of 60% of all seabird species and 100% of all turtle species [1]. We’ve all seen photos of animals trapped in soda six-pack rings, but the thought of animals ingesting plastic is devastating. Imagine what would happen if you ate a plateful of plastic for dinner.
Plastic pollution endangers the safety of our food and its quality, jeopardizes ocean tourism and accelerates climate change. Sometimes it seems easier to use plastic-based products than go through the extra effort to find something sustainable or reusable. During the Summer, outdoor activities and group gatherings dominate our weekends, which is why July is the perfect month to reevaluate our use of plastics. It’s so perfect, in fact, that it’s been dubbed ‘Plastic Free July’ by eco-conscious consumers and activists alike.
You already know that healthy oceans mean a healthy planet, and in turn, healthy humans. Plastic waste is a battle our ocean has been fighting for some time, and it’s in our best interest to curb our use of plastics yesterday. Many campaigns speak about ‘zero waste’ in terms of what ends up in a trash bin or a landfill, but the scope is actually much larger. Waste can occur at all waypoints in the ‘life’ of a product and plastic waste is one of the sneakiest. Did you know that the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry on the planet? Synthetic materials, like polyester and nylon, can shed something called ‘microplastics’ every time you wash them. The water they are washed in drains through a pipe and around 40% of it ends up in our rivers, lakes and Oceans [2]. More macro forms of plastic can find their way into the ocean too, entangling sea animals and polluting their delicate digestive systems. You may have noticed a recent trend of making clothing from recycled water bottles: while this is in theory an innovative way to make lemons out of lemonade, this process also sheds microplastics into our water supply.
Phasing plastic out of your life doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when you sensitize yourself to the ‘plastic’ all around you: in your home, office, café and car. But the easiest and most effective way starts with a small rule: one at a time. Pick one plastic product or item a week (or month) and commit to ditching it. Use up the rest of your shampoo bottle and make a plan. Invest in a glass bottle and find a local refilling station or zero-waste store for when you run out. Next week, commit to using reusable totes at the grocery store. Keep a couple in your car trunk or hanging by the front door. If you forget one time, that’s ok! You’ll remember next time. Small, but consistent changes like this add up to radical change over time.
Still looking for some guidance or plastic-free inspiration? We have 7 ocean-saving tips to go Plastic Free this Summer season. Think of a genius one we didn’t list here? Take a pic and tag us in your IG @SharkAllies so we can spread the word!
Wash, Rinse, Repeat – If your closet is full of all-natural fibers, good job! If you own some clothing made from synthetics, all is not lost. You can prevent the shedding of dangerous microplastics into our water supply with the help of a microfiber-catching laundry bag. Similar to a lingerie bag, you place your items into the zippered bag and wash as usual, then hang dry. Guppyfriend’s laundry bag is a well-made, affordable choice and a Shark Allies favorite.
Takeout Trade – weeknight dinners can be a chore and opting in for delivery can be a lifesaver. Save the plastic cutlery in your order and be a hero. Most restaurants toss forks, knives and napkins in without thinking, so it’s the customer’s job to say ‘no thank you’. Make a note in your special requests/delivery instructions section to ditch the fork and spoon. If you prefer dining out, bring your own tupperwear along to take those leftovers home.
Mind Your Own Beeswax – Plastic wrap is sad on so many levels: it sticks to itself but never seems to stick to the surface you need it to. Reusable beeswax wrap is all the rage and easy to find in your local health food store. Not only does keep unwanted odors out of leftovers, but it also lets your food breathe and stay fresh, longer. Added to the Shark Cafe store in time for Plastic Free July: Meli Wraps, reusable beeswax wraps with sharks on them!
Beware the beach haul - feeding friends and family at the beach can seem like a logistical nightmare and the idea of carrying heavy glass containers is exhausting. Reusable silicone ziplock bags are your savior here. They’re lightweight, super secure and easy to clean at home. Stuff your pasta salad in and you’re good to go! Bamboo plates and cutlery are easy to find and a beautiful substitution for plain plastic versions.
Keep your butts to yourself – Sadly, cigarettes are the ‘bread and butt-er’ (get it?) of beach clean ups. And, yes, they’re plastic! Disposing of your butts properly is one of the most helpful ways to fight plastic waste at the oceans edge. Find a trashcan or bring a makeshift one with you when you venture to more remote seaside spots. Shark Allies loves Surfrider Foundation’s Hold Onto Your Butt campaign and recently joined in to help The Malibu Artist install ashcans at Point Dume, Malibu. If you’re a Los Angeles local keep your eyes peeled for one near you!
A tip for those sips – What’s better than a mid-Summer cookout with friends? A cookout with reusable party cups, like the ones from Pirani. Their insulated design keeps your choice beverage colder, longer and their fill-in name tags keep it in your hand, not your friend’s. Get yours at our Shark Cafe!
Better Bonfires and BBQ’s – Disposable plastic lighters are omnipresent and old-school matches, while slightly better, still end up in the trashcan. Rechargeable USB lighters are so brilliant, it’s hard to believe no one thought of them before. The USB Lighter Company’s products charge up in less than 2 hours and dole out 300 ‘lights’ per charge. So, next time you need a light for your firepit, ambience or barbeque flare, ditch the plastic and keep the flame.
These suggestions are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to changing your dependence on plastic, day by day. The list of organizations working hard to fight the dump of pollutants in our ocean is long, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to make a difference. If you’re interested in learning more, and doing your part, check out Zero Waste to dive in, and Package Free Shop to stock up,