how to defeat plastic. Taking a series of small, meaningful steps toward a common goal. Probably the most easy change you can make that will, in turn, make a real difference is personal consumption. While it may not seem like a huge deal, passing on a plastic straw here and buying a reusable water bottle there can go a long way. As previously discussed, single-use plastics usually come down to convenience. So by either passing up on these mildly convenient plastics or buying a reusable equivalent can effectively cut out plastics. One more tricky aspect of this is clothing. Plastics have become very popular in almost all types of
clothing, whether it be a t-shirt or your running shoes. Nevertheless, there are easily and economically attainable alternatives. Patagonia is a prime example of this. Since 1993, Patagonia has been using post-consumer plastic soda bottles in tons of their clothing. As importantly, it doesn’t sacrifice any aspect of the clothing. Here is a link to popular brands that use recycled plastic: https://www.simplyquinoa.com/clothing-companies-using-recycled-plastic/
One of the most important steps in eliminating plastic is the introduction of town and county plastic bans. Right now, small scaled plastic bans and alternatives have been implemented in San Anselmo, Fairfax, and some other surrounding towns but are seldom followed due to the unenforceable fines included in the plastic ordinances. What we need to truly make a difference is a county-wide plastic ban that is legitimately enforced. The ones that have passed in recent years are essentially just figure heads. Luckily, talk and support for a county-wide ban has been prevalent recently. Please show your support for a Marin County Plastic Straw Ban at:
https://www.change.org/p/marin-county-board-of-supervisors-ban-plastic-drinking-straws-from-restaurants-cafes-and-grocery-stores-in-marin-county/sign
While this push for a ban only involves plastic straws, as discussed before, it is the small calculated steps that make a real difference. Soon it will be containers, then utensils, etc. Even in times of such disaster, we need to stay patient and intentional to make a true difference.