~Written by volunteer, Kelsey Evans.  Kelsey is an English and Environmental Studies student at Rice University.

Nothing makes my heart sink more than overwhelming amounts of plastic pollution. Plastic is everywhere; it’s in our drinking water, it’s in the oceans, it’s in the Ship Channel, and it makes its way into Armand Bayou, too.  Plastic is falling in the snow in the arctic, and there’s plastic bags at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Plastic is even in our own bodies. 

It may be difficult to imagine a world and life without plastic, especially when we don’t have a choice about certain industries and products. However, we do have a choice about the waste we create in our everyday lives. And as involved community members, we can influence plastic bans and future policy. As consumers, we can influence companies to begin a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable, circular economy. A circular economy is the future, after all -- one in which we replace the linear cycle of make/use/dispose with one of reducing, reusing, repairing, and regeneration. 

Plastic Free July, a global movement with over 250 million participants in 177 countries, is one way to get started towards a more sustainable lifestyle and economy. 

One simple principle to adopt when it comes to shopping, from food, to home goods, to clothing, etc., is to buy less. Always ask yourself if you can make, borrow, thrift, or do without something first before purchasing. 

Secondly, invest in durable and reusable products. Water bottles, shopping bags, and straws can become your new best friends. At the grocery store, you can shop with cotton or mesh bags for produce and bread. You can bring your own reusable containers to buy in bulk (Yes, this is allowed!) When it comes to food packaging, keep a ‘to-go’ essentials pack in your bag or car. You can include a coffee mug, glass jars or tupperware, straws, forks, knives, and reusable food wrap, etc. 

Of course, July 2020 poses a greater challenge for the usual plastic reduction hacks. Until things return to normal, focus on feasible, safe, and sanitary challenges. If you’re ordering take-out, request minimal packaging and cutlery. If you’re shopping online, search for sustainable and ethical companies. Even better,  visit your local farmer’s market as a local (and fun!) alternative to the grocery store. 

Another easy first step is to reduce the number of plastic toiletries you buy. Try out natural bar soaps, shampoos, and moisturizers. Consider reusable or bamboo alternatives to razors and toothbrushes. 

Lastly, engage your friends, family, co-workers, and community about being plastic free. Be a role model and encourage others to join the challenge. 

These are just a few of ideas to get you started. Check out the Plastic Free July website (located here: (https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/category/next-steps/#categories) to see how else you can help. And remember - you don’t have to do it all, and it’s okay if you forget or struggle as you make the transition to creating new habits. Reducing waste isn’t an all or nothing task, so starting small is key. Every person and every piece of plastic makes a difference.