A lot of people don't know this about me, but as of the past few months this cause has become very important to me. We only have one planet and if we don't all do our part, it may not be livable by the time our children's children are born.
And plastic, though it does have its uses (in the medical field for example), is becoming a big problem. The accumulation of plastic in our oceans is fatal to marine animals such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles, who can get entangled in plastic materials and even mistake it for food. Plastic also takes a very long time to degrade, so we should be a lot more careful than we are with it. Because this problem shows no sign of slowing - in fact, scientists expect plastic waste entering the ocean will increase by a considerable amount by 2025 if we don't all do our parts to change our habits, and soon.
Look, I don't mean to get preachy. Really, I don't. But I like oceans. I like ocean animals and I like our planet and I want to keep all these things around. This is important so we shouldn't be selfish about it - if you can help, even just a little bit, why wouldn't you want to? I know most of the blame lies with big corporations, but every tiny gesture we makes helps just a little.
You guys, just because "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" was the greatest of all "Star Trek" movies does not mean that I want to head towards the future where whales have gone extinct because humans are assholes. So let's do our part in the following ways:
1. Make the switch to reusable products
This is such an easy, simple switch, and it actually helps to save money in the long run. By switching to reusable water bottles, bringing cloth totes to the grocery store, and refusing plastic straws in restaurants/at home (use a reusable metal straw if you absolutely must have a straw - they are fantastic for cold drinks), you help cut down on a lot of plastic waste. Slow down and eat in to avoid takeaway containers and plastic cutlery. And if you absolutely must use something plastic? Reuse or recycle it whenever possible!
Also, you can purchase ocean-friendly plasticless products. For example - and I'm not married to this company so feel free to do your own research and shop elsewhere - but LUSH has a lot of fantastic plastic-free products that smell delicious and work wonderfully. I've made the switch to their solid shampoo bars (which last much longer than liquid shampoo - I use this one, myself) and their "naked" shower gels, both of which cut way down on my plastic waste. And if you like to sparkle, all of LUSH's glitter is plastic-free and biodegradable.
I swear that I'm not sponsored or anything, I just really really love their products...
2. Make a commitment to sustainability
Perhaps this is just a broader interpretation of point 1, but the point still stands. There are a number of ways we can be more sustainable, not just with plastic, but with everything! For example, if you eat seafood (as a vegetarian, I do not), do your best to make sure you're eating sustainable seafood instead of contributing to the species extinctions that things like plastic waste help cause. I've included a link to the Monterey Bay Aquarium's (a beloved California institution) guide to doing so, but there are a number of such guides on the web. Also? Pick up after yourself when you go to the beach, as quite a bit of marine debris gets its start as beach litter. (Seriously, guys, don't litter - what are you, a Captain Planet villain?)
When in doubt, try to remember the 7 R's of Sustainability: Refuse (if offered plastic bags or straws when out and about, say no), Reduce (cut down on how much you're using), Reuse (use products again if they're still good instead of just throwing it out), Repair (if it's broken try to fix it before buying another one), Rot (if something is biodegradable or made of natural materials, compost it instead of throwing it out to go to a landfill), Recycle (duh), and Rethink (if you can't do any of the above then do you really need that product???)
3. Be the one who influences change
Spread the word about your commitment to sustainability! It may feel like you can't possibly make a difference, but if every single one of us talked to just one or two people, and they all talked to just one or two people, well, who knows what could happen?
Research conservation policies of public officials before you vote, or contact your local representatives about measures that cities like San Francisco have taken such as banning plastic bags and plastic straws. Speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on a restaurant menu, and take part in initiatives that fight for the cause!
This is gonna sound absolutely cheesy, but we can do this if we work together. Yes, it feels like an uphill battle - because it absolutely is one - but it's not impossible.
#SaveTheWhales
-Nym
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