Photo: Ocean Conservancy

• Say no to straws in your drinks! Straws from restaurants and fast food cups are found in waterways all over the world. You probably don’t drink from a straw at home, why do it at a restaurant?  

• Use reusable grocery bags. Plastic bags are by far one of the most found items on Clean Your Streams Day. Reusable bags can be purchased inexpensively and they are often used as free handouts at events.

• Look for cardboard packaging at grocery stores or bulk found sellers instead of plastic packaging. Cardboard is more easily recycled and decomposes faster.

• Buying in bulk. Store cereal, cookies, rice, pasta, or other dry goods items that can be bought in bulk in reusable containers that can be taken to the store with you. You can save money and excess packaging by doing this.

• Use glass or heavy-duty plastic leftover containers that can be used over and over again.

• Ask to-go restaurants and coffee shops to fill your reusable container instead of using a single-use item.

• Let take-out restaurants know that you do not need plastic utensils, especially when you are eating at home.

• Try non-toxic cleaning supplies, soap, and lotion or cleaning supplies that come in minimal packaging. 

• Pack your lunch in reusable containers.

• If you are a smoker, be a responsible smoker. Carry an ash-tray with you and be sure to properly dispose of the contents. Isn’t about time you kicked that habit anyways?

• Cloth diapers are another means for reducing plastic waste and saving money.

• Utilize razors with reusable blades instead of disposable plastic options.

• Return plastic containers to the vender at farmer’s markets so that they can be refilled by the same vender.

• Pay attention to labeling on face washes and other skin cleansers. Avoid products with microbeads or other plastic scrubbing agents.

• Ask your local municipality about proper disposable and recycling of electronics.