5 Simple Ways to Reduce Waste and Protect Your Lake
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Today, we’re going to touch on five simple and easy ways that we can all contribute to the reduction of waste, prevention of litter and protection of our lakes. There seems to be this perception that living a more reusable lifestyle is difficult, when in reality, it’s very easy and straightforward! So without further ado:
1. Go Reusable
Each year, millions upon millions of plastic bottles, straws, cups, utensils, grocery bags, and produce bags end up in our landfills…or worse, in our water supply. Plastic makes up more than half of what AGF picks up during our Love Your Lakes project, whether it’s in the form of bottles, cups, straws, etc. Can you imagine the impact it would have if every person switched even one of these disposable items to a reusable one? Instead of using more than 200 plastic straws in a year, a person could use one reusable straw again and again. Instead of using flimsy plastic cutlery, a person could use metal or bamboo reusable utensils over and over! These are just a few examples of the way reusable items can easily be swapped out for their disposable counterparts.
2. Don’t Flush!
Now, we’re not saying don’t flush the toilet. You should absolutely flush the toilet as a common courtesy to the people around you, and even to yourself. However, what we can’t say loudly enough is DON’T FLUSH PLASTIC. Plastic?, you may ask yourself. Yes, plastic. 7% of the plastic that ends up on our beaches is coming directly from being flushed down our toilets. It is estimated that 1/3 of adults are flushing objects that should never end up in our sewage systems. So, that plastic tampon applicator and the little plastic wrapper it comes in? You got it: it doesn’t go down the toilet! Neither do Q-tips, wipes, syringes, condoms, or bags of drugs. Here's a great TED Talk to explain further.
3. Skip the Straw
Don’t feel like carrying a reusable straw with you at all times? Forgot your reusable straw at home? No problem. This one is simple. Just don’t get a straw with your beverage. Ask yourself if you really, truly need to use that pesky piece of plastic. Sip straight from the cup, or ask for a lid with a tab instead. Skip the straw. In just 25 litter cleanups our team has picked up 1,403 plastic straws off the shores of Lake Ontario. What's worse? There are millions more out there that are breaking down into microplastics right now.
4. Say No to Plastic
Money speaks volumes, and companies listen when their consumers use their spending to make a point. Avoid buying plastic whenever and wherever possible; instead, opt for metal, wood, bamboo, cotton and other natural materials. Need a new toothbrush? Think bamboo! How about straws? There are silicone and metal straws readily available! Even the polyester we find in our clothes is derived from plastic and releases microplastics each time it is washed! And let’s be real here…soft bamboo clothing sounds way nicer than scratchy polyester, don’t you think?
Are you up for a challenge? Visit Plastic Free July.
5. Pick Up As You Go
Ariel & Rochelle Picking up at Presqu'ile
The last point is perhaps the easiest to execute. When you find yourself taking a stroll in the park or frolicking on the beach, take a minute out of your day and pick up a few pieces of litter. Can you imagine the staggering results if everyone did this? Make sure the litter pieces end up in the trash or recycling, instead of in our lakes!
We hope that these five methods of protecting your local environment have been enlightening and have helped to reduce some of the stress you may feel about reducing waste! We are always available for questions or concerns, and there are many fantastic resources available online. Knowledge is power, friends.