1. Rejecting Plastic Straws, Disposable Utensils, and Takeout Containers

This was an easy choice for me, long before the conversation around straw bans began, although I wholeheartedly support them. This decision opened up a path to eco-friendly bliss and increased my awareness of disposable items I hadn’t even considered before.

Mermaid Straw started as a small business offering reusable straws and has since expanded to provide a variety of eco-friendly products. Americans use 500 million straws daily, and Mermaid Straw is helping reduce that figure while promoting plastic-free packaging and ocean cleanups. Many disposable chopsticks are treated with harmful chemicals such as sulfur and hydrogen peroxide, despite regulations against them. Thankfully, Mermaid Straw has introduced reusable chopsticks, straws, cups, and more.

Here is my straw, and you can find additional products on their website.

Mermaid Straw also organizes regular beach cleanups across the USA, which is a fantastic way to raise awareness, keep our beaches clean, and effect change.

While I appreciate Mermaid Straw's reusable cutlery sets, I realize that certain solutions may not work universally. Pollution is a global concern affecting all our oceans, and responsibility doesn't lie solely with any one nation. It's crucial that we collaborate to combat pollution and innovate sustainable alternatives like edible spoons. In India, over 120 billion disposable plastic utensils are discarded yearly. This innovative solution presents a way forward, and you can find similar spoons online for your next BBQ or family gathering.

2. Mindful Purchasing

I never paid much attention to packaging until recently, under the impression that recycling was sufficient. However, I learned that many of the items I recycled had non-recyclable packaging. In the United States, approximately 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated each year, with only about 94 million tons recycled, resulting in a recycling rate of 32.1%. This means that the USA has a recycling rate of less than 50% for its waste. In contrast, some Swedish countries have successfully developed systems to convert waste into energy, even importing trash for this purpose.

This realization prompted me to shop more mindfully.

I began to notice that nearly all produce and meat were wrapped in plastic. Thus, I now strive to buy unpackaged produce, shop at farmers' markets, and opt for glass jars to reduce waste.

> Ditching Single-Use Storage Methods

While eliminating straws is a great first step, what about storage methods? Each year, over 100,000 marine animals perish due to plastic entanglement and ingestion, with more than half of sea turtles consuming plastic. The primary source of ocean pollution originates from land-based activities such as agriculture, vehicle emissions, and waste disposal.

I initially found the transition from plastic wrap and zip bags daunting. However, I discovered alternatives like Lunchskins, reusable bags created by moms that are easy to clean and durable.

For replacing plastic wrap, I came across beeswax wraps, which I learned about through my subscription to MightyNest, a service that delivers eco-friendly products each month.

The ocean is inundated with debris, forming large garbage patches made up of microplastics and discarded fishing gear, collected by ocean currents. These patches can be found at various depths in the ocean, with five notable gyres, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

3. Eliminating Tubes & Extras

Cleaning out my bathroom was an enjoyable journey. I began with toothpaste, switching from two tubes a month to Bite, toothpaste tablets stored in a glass jar—no tubes, no plastic, and significantly less waste! Additionally, we replaced traditional toothbrushes with bamboo brushes and opted for ear cleaning tools.

4. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning products have always posed a challenge for me, often triggering headaches due to strong scents. Finding suitable alternatives felt intimidating, but I eventually discovered Blueland. They offer kits that include reusable glass bottles and plastic-free refills. You simply dissolve the tabs in water to create more cleaner.

I also switched to Hippo Sak garbage bags, which are made from sugar cane, making them renewable and recyclable.

5. Wash and Dry

Switching laundry soap can be intimidating, but it can also be one of the best decisions for your health, budget, clothes, and the planet. I made the switch to laundry strips in March, and their packaging is recyclable. I also transitioned from dryer sheets to reusable dryer balls.

6. Sustainable Fashion Choices

Many people overlook the impact of fashion on sustainability. Globally, we produce 13 million tons of textile waste yearly, 95% of which could be reused or recycled. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting sectors, so my family and I prioritize buying second-hand clothes.

Not only is this eco-friendly, but I've found some of my favorite outfits at thrift stores. For instance, I recently bought a beautiful evening dress originally priced at $80 for just $7. It was never worn and may have ended up in a landfill. I plan to wear it on Mother’s Day, even if we just relax at home.

If you're looking for more ways to adopt a green lifestyle, consider conscious consumption in areas such as gardening and food choices.

7. The Impact of Food Choices

Fertilizer runoff contributes to eutrophication, leading to harmful algal blooms that can deplete oxygen levels in aquatic ecosystems. These blooms create dead zones where marine life cannot survive. The number of dead zones in the world's oceans has risen dramatically from 146 in 2004 to 405 in 2008, with the Gulf of Mexico experiencing the largest dead zone ever recorded.

To combat these issues, consider the following:

• Eat a variety of plant-based foods to enhance dietary diversity.
• Be a mindful shopper, as the products we purchase contribute to deforestation.
• Choose seafood from responsible sources and eat lower on the food chain.
• Reduce food waste by freezing excess produce and selecting loose items.
• Be cautious of palm oil, which often causes deforestation but look for RSPO-certified sustainable options.
• Opt for pasture-raised chickens and eggs for healthier options.

You might also consider starting a small garden to donate food to local pantries.

8. Getting Involved

Engaging in local initiatives is one of the best ways to learn and contribute to ocean conservation. Pollution remains a significant threat to our oceans, with projections indicating that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in our waters.

9. Change Through Writing

I continuously educate myself on emerging issues and strive to raise awareness through my passion for writing. I want to inspire others to take action, whether through blogging, organizing cleanups, or advocating for environmental causes.

10. Your Time for Change

Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to change. I regularly seek out opportunities at local wildlife centers, beach cleanups, and park initiatives. Even a single day of volunteering can make a significant difference.

Ultimately, I hope that with time, attention, and love, we can foster awareness of our planet's needs—especially those of our oceans. By being more mindful of our consumption, we can create a healthier environment for future generations.

This article provides several tips for getting involved and making a difference. After all, a healthy planet is essential for sustaining healthy people.

If we collectively strive to create ripples of change, I am confident that we can ensure our oceans thrive, moving toward a future where we no longer see plastic pollution but vibrant marine ecosystems.

Simply put, the ocean cannot continue to thrive as a dumpsite for humanity.

> Let us all strive for waves of change so that we may witness healthier waters, thriving marine life, and future generations of people enjoying pristine oceans.

Originally published at https://vocal.media.