Dr Dirk Zeller

The IOF has created a brief list of ways we can reduce our consumption of plastic in our daily lives. Take the time today to think about how dependent we are on plastics, and how we can change that, one step at a time.

It is also important to note that while we should all think about our daily consumption habits, there are aspects out of our control for a wide variety of reasons. We need companies and our governments to step up and help us fight the plastic scourge.

A big thank you to everyone to contributed to this project.

For the snacker

• Summer is here! Shop at farmers’ markets where unbound fresh produce is much better than
  plastic wrapped produce at supermarkets
• If you go to a restaurant and you know that you will be taking leftovers home, plan to
  bring your own containers (this might also save you money!)
• Buy milk in glass bottles
• Have travel-friendly cutlery and straws always with you
• Invest in a fun water bottle or travel mug — bonus points if they have stickers
• Ditch the cling wrap — use beeswax covers or boxes
• Reuse plastic bags, Ziplock bags, take out containers, glass ware
• Buy bulk or loose — you can choose exactly how much of everything you want
• Experiment in the kitchen — the less you buy, the more bragging rights you get

©Ola Dapo

For the techie, the digital nomad, the average person

• Hang on to your phone, laptop, tablet, etc. until you absolutely need a new one
• Recycle your electronics or sell/buy them second-hand
• Try to spring for products that can be used for multiple options, saving the need for a lot of electronics
• Take care of your stuff — this will save you a ton of money as well
• Instead of printing, send documents digitally. This reduces the need to buy ink
• Instead of a car, try out electric bikes
• Follow zero-waste accounts online to get some ideas

©Cottonbro Studio

Shop till you drop!

• Avoid mail order products, e.g., Amazon because they use a lot of plastic in their packaging
• Consider where and how your clothes are made
• If you can, opt for sustainably made, longer-lasting clothing
• Wash properly — improper washing techniques wear out your favourite shirt much faster
• Learn how to sew and mend your clothes
• Take your shoes to a cobbler (yes they still exist)
• BYOB – bring your own bag when you go shopping
• Gift sustainable items
• Think about what you really need before getting carried away on sale days
• Purchase items second-hand! A little extra love goes a long way
• Instead of throwing away ripped and stained clothes, use them as rags

©Rf Studio

Take care of yourself

• Think about your personal care items — can the disposable items be swapped for reusable?
• Ditch the beads — those little plastic beads that are found in facial scrubs, tooth paste, exfoliators? All plastic
• Consider buying from soap dispensers – there’s one at UBC! Just BYOC – bring your own containers to fill up
• The above also works for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, the works!
• Clean your spaces using natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and oatmeal (great for facial rubs). Not only is it better for you, but you also reduce the amount of plastic packaging you’re using

©Cottonbro Studio

Who doesn’t love a good party?

• If using glitter, confetti, balloons, remember that these are plastics that will stick around
• Look for biodegradable options
• Look for wine with natural corks
• Reuse bottles for anything from vases to storage containers
• Instead of plastic lighters, use matches (very retro)

Lots of talking, lots of doing

• Talk about it. Talk about plastic reduction with your friends, family, and peers


©Mikhail Nilov

• If you can, educate! Raising awareness about using less plastic at an early age is crucial
• Organize interactive activities, workshops, or campaigns in schools and local communities to engage children and their families in the plastic-free movement
• Foster partnerships with local businesses, encouraging them to adopt plastic-free practices and alternatives
• Every time you go outside, look for litter and (if safe) pick it up

Taking it to the top

• Advocate for policies that promote plastic reduction, recycling, and sustainable alternatives at the local, regional, and national levels
• Engage with policymakers, participate in public consultations, and raise awareness about the need for legislative changes to address the plastic pollution crisis effectively

Tags: International Plastic Free Day, IOF Research Associates, Juan Jose Alava, microplastics, OPRU, plastic