How did plastic get its name? Well, it LASTs forever; it's always STICking around!

OK, ok, so that's not really where the name pLASTic came from, but it's true. What was once plastic's biggest bragging right, the fact that it's around forever, has now become its biggest vice. Following are ten tips for how to clean up our act and cut back on our plastic consumption.


Ten Tips for Reducing Plastic Consumption

1) DO use a reusable, durable shopping bag; DON’T use plastic bags at the grocery store, clothes store, electronics store, and everywhere else you shop.

2) DO use a reusable water bottle; DON’T waste resources on one-use water bottles. Combine that with a water filter on your faucet, and you’re doing as well as Dasani and Aquafina!

3) DO check local laws for what can be recycled; DON’T assume that all plastics can be recycled everywhere. (In Oklahoma, only plastics #1 and #2 can be recycled. Let’s work to change that!)

4) DO find other uses for plastic containers that can’t be recycled; DON’T forget that it’s non-biodegradable for a reason: to be reused!! (And I used to complain about all those empty butter containers my mom saved…)

5) DO stick your fresh veggies straight in the grocery cart or your own reusable bag; DON’T use a separate produce bag for each one. After all, you’re supposed to wash them once you get home anyway!

6) DO learn how to do things yourself, such as how to make your own yogurt at home; DON’T under appreciate the joy of learning a new skill and simultaneously keeping all those #5 containers from the landfill!

7) DO use biodegradable poop bags or a pooper scooper to clean up after your pets; DON’T buy those plastic bags that are here today, and the next day, and the next…

8) DO buy products that are packaged in products instead of plastic; DON’T buy a product without thinking about the consequences of what it came in! (For example, buy bar soap instead of gel soap. This will probably even save money, too. I promise, bar soap will get you just as clean! )

9) DO refuse to take plastic utensils when you get fast food or eat out. DON’T be afraid to bring your own set of reusable silverware or chopsticks!

10) In the end, if you do end up using something plastic, DO recycle it when you’re totally done with it; DON’T ever burn it or litter nature with it.