make good choices.

Changing plastic pollution starts with making good choices.......

While the mission of Plastic Ocean Project is to do research regarding plastics in the environment, It is also all about finding solutions to the negative impacts due to plastic.

OUR MISSION :

The mission of Plastic Ocean Project, Inc. 501(c)3 is to educate through field research, implement progressive outreach initiatives, and incubate solutions to address the global plastic pollution problem.  Working with and for the next generation to create a more sustainable future.  

Our long term goals are to actively and collectively incubate 5 solutions toward  the prevention and removal of marine plastics on and off-shore.  We intend to bring together a community of world leaders focused on innovation, collaboration, education and outreach, while spearheading and mobilizing focused research and innovation projects to meet the challenge of  removing man-made debris from our oceans in support of our next generation,  while also creating new sustainable businesses.

One of the biggest problems regarding plastics today is our use of single use plastics, and the litter they create.  (Water bottles, straws, k-cups, plastic lids for to-go coffee, etc).
There is a solution to this and it all comes down to our choices.  If we say NO to single use and replace those things with alternatives, we are making a huge difference regarding the plastic epidemic.
Instead of buying bottled water, we can have our own faucet with clean water to fill our re-usable bottles.  This company is doing just that.... supplying us with alternatives to bottled water, AND showing the impact of what bottled water is doing to our Earth.
When it comes to plastic straws, there are many alternatives for those of us who really need a straw.
Glass Dharma makes beautiful straw from glass and you can take them with you wherever you go.  Although they are made from glass, they are durable.  I have never had one break! Please say "NO" to plastic straws when you are dining out.

This glass coffee cup is perfect for those who love their morning joe.  There are plenty of re-usable coffee mugs/ cups to choose from.  I like this one because it's glass and it's simple.  Drinking from plastic, whether it is BPA free or not, isn't a good idea.  The chemical compounds in plastics can leach into your drink or food causing potential health issues.  This alone is reason enough not to use plastic for food or beverages. This article talks about the chemical compounds and there are many other links to support this.

When it comes to K-cups (Keurig), DONT DO IT!!  Really.  This is just not good on so many levels!
These little single use K-cups are wreaking havoc in the environment.  They're everywhere..... Read this article to learn more and go here for a simple alternative.  A good rule of thumb is that if it's really convenient and quick, it's probably not good for our bodies, or the environment.  Making a good cup of coffee can be a nice little ritual in the morning.  Using a French press is one way to make a yummy pot of coffee and also to enjoy the process.  Check out this article and find the right press for you based on the best reviews of 2016.  Just need one cup?  There are plenty of alternatives to the plastic K-cup.

If we all make different choices regarding plastics, especially single use plastics, we can make a huge difference.  There are lots of ways to reduce our single use.  For information on how to make your own cleaning supplies, go HERE.   Please share your ideas or email kim@plasticoceanproject.org with any questions.

"Individually we are one drop, together, we are an ocean".