PLASTIC’S CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

The problem with plastic isn’t only about the visible pollution that’s evident everywhere we look today.

Plastics also make a significant – and growing – contribution to man-made climate change.

How do plastics contribute to climate change?

All plastic is made from carbon, but while biopolymers or bioplastics use carbon derived from natural materials, man-made plastic uses carbon derived from oil.

Most plastics are produced by a process of ‘cracking’ and refining crude oil, natural gas and other petroleum products, otherwise known as fossil feedstock. The feedstock is broken down into various constituent hydrocarbons such as ethylene, propylene and styrene. These are further processed to make plastic pellets known as ‘nurdles’, ready to be extruded or molded into a wide range of plastic products.

The processes used to extract the oil or gas from the ground use huge quantities of fossil fuel energy, releasing greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the air. More energy is used to transport the raw materials to manufacturing facilities, and subsequently to produce, transport and dispose of the end products.

The entire process is fuel intensive and carbon heavy; around 4% of current global oil consumption is turned into plastic, and another 4% is used to power plastic manufacturing processes[i], emitting many billions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. The process of making each kilogram of virgin plastic releases 2-3kg of carbon dioxide.

Trucost, a research arm of the financial-information provider Standard & Poor’s, has put the overall social and environmental cost of plastic pollution at $139bn a year, half of which arises from the climate effects of greenhouse-gas emissions linked to producing and transporting plastic.

What types of plastics are causing the biggest problem?

Although there are many types of plastic, the five most common make up around 85% of the world’s plastic consumption by weight. These five plastics are:

• Polyethylene (32% of global demand)
• Polypropylene (23%);
• Polyvinyl chloride or PVC (16%)
• Polystyrene (7%)
• Polyethylene terephthalate or PET (7%)

Propylene is the primary feedstock for polypropylene; ethylene is the primary feedstock for the other four[ii] – but all are derived from fossil fuels.

We shouldn’t forget that it’s not just production of plastics that accelerate climate change; a large proportion of the waste plastic that is thrown away is incinerated (around 36% in Europe[iii]).

Where this takes place in an energy-from-waste plant, it can be argued that it is a form of renewable energy and more sustainable than some other energy sources. This type of combustion does, however, still emit carbon dioxide (and other airborne pollutants) and contributes towards global warming.

How much of a problem is this for the climate?

Plastics can be made from other raw materials including biomass in the form of starch, cellulose, sugars, organic waste and vegetable oils. In fact, the very first plastics were made well before oil was used as a feedstock.

However, the convenience of hydrocarbon cracking and availability of oil means that today, more than 99% of plastics are produced from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels[iv].

And the problem is likely to get worse. The availability of cheap shale gas in the US is driving new investments in plastics manufacturing facilities, with 264 new or expanded factories planned in the US alone[v].  

In just five years’ time, these developments could increase global plastics production capacity by one third, locking-in manufacturers to produce ever greater volumes of plastics for years to come.

The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2050, plastics will be responsible for nearly 15% of global carbon emissions, making it a bigger climate polluter than aviation, which is currently accountable for 12% of global carbon emissions.

Should be concerned for the future?

At a time when the world’s nations are attempting to cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions, the continued increase in the use of fossil fuels in the plastics industry is unsustainable.

To limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement, we need to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to produce single-use, disposable plastic, in particular.

If we fail to achieve the Paris goals, we face the consequences of catastrophic climate change; is our addiction to plastic really worth the risk?

Ways To Reduce Your Plastic Use

We are beginning to see more and more media coverage on the impact of plastics on the environment. And once you begin to look around, there seems to be plastic everywhere you look: your bathroom, your grocery store, your favorite restaurant.

It can be overwhelming to try to think of a plastic free world.

However, there are many steps you can take to start to reduce your plastic use in many areas. This is a list of 25 different ways you can reduce plastic use in your everyday life.

Glass, Ceramic, and Other Alternative Materials

1. Use a reusable water bottle. In the United States alone, Americans used 50 billion plastic water bottles. The demand for plastic water bottles in the US requires about 17 million barrels of oil and enough energy to power 190,000 homes. There are numerous benefits to using a reusable water bottle, instead of purchasing a disposable one every time.
2. Invest in a reusable shopping bag. There are many options out there for reusable bags, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. Using a reusable shopping bag made of cotton, jute, linen, or even durable plastic eliminates the need for disposable plastic bags at the grocery store, at your favorite retailer, and even when eating out.
3. Use reusable a coffee cup. While many coffee cups seem to be made out of paper, they are actually lined in plastic in order to properly hold that frothy cappuccino. Start bringing your own coffee cup to your favorite coffee shop on the way to work, or request a ceramic cup if dining in, to reduce the amount of to-go coffee cups making their way to the landfill each day.
4. Use mesh produce bags. Its seems like it’s nearly impossible to avoid plastic in the produce aisle. Fruits and veggies are actually coming pre-cut and pre-packaged these days! An easy way to reduce your plastic use on your next grocery trip is to buy whole fruits and vegetables and carry them in a reusable mesh produce bag.
5. Line small trash bins with paper bags. Instead of small plastic bags, use paper grocery bags to line your bins if you happen to have them.
6. Use matches or refillable lighters. Disposable plastic lighters are a major source of unnecessary waste that ends up in landfills, on beaches, and hardly ever recycled. Start using matches instead, or invest in a refillable lighter to avoid throwing away your next dud Bic.

At the Grocery Store

1. Return plastic packages back to grocer. When it comes to berries, tomatoes, and other certain fruits and veggies, they’re almost always packaged in small plastic containers. Ask your local grocer if it’s possible to return these packages so they can be recycled or reused.
2. Buy dried goods in bulk. Another way to reduce your plastic use in the grocery store is to buy dried goods in the bulk section. The bulk section is not only more eco-friendly, but also cheaper. Instead of buying rice, nuts, and cereal in plastic, bring your own reusable container to the bulk section and save some money while your at it!
3. Buy eggs in cardboard containers, not Styrofoam. Eggs are now being sold in Styrofoam cartons instead of cardboard. If you have the choice between the two, always choose cardboard. Styrofoam is not biodegradable and stays in the environment for up to one million years.
4. Avoid chewing gum. Chewing gum is actually made of synthetic rubber, which is a fancy word for plastic. While chewing gum used to be made from a certain tree sap, it’s now made with fillers, emulsifiers, and polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic. Ditch the gum for a mint or other alternatives to avoid chewing on plastic next time!
5. Buy fresh, not frozen. Buying frozen foods and produce uses a lot of unnecessary plastic packaging. Even the frozen pizza boxes that seem to be made of cardboard are actually lined with plastic. By avoiding the frozen foods section and buying fresh, you are cutting out the plastic packaging used to preserve such options.
6. Buy local. Always buy local when possible. Start shopping at your local farmers market, soap shop, or grocer. Not only are you directly supporting those in your community, you are more often than not avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging with their products and reducing the transportation cost of goods.

Take Out, Dining Out, and Storing Food

1. Bring your own container. Going out to eat? Bring your own container with you to store possible leftovers. Over 120,000 of plastic and foam take out containers combined were found in beach cleanups last year. Prepare beforehand and bring your own next time you go out to eat.
2. Avoid plastic cutlery when eating out. If you know you are heading straight home with your carry out, decline the option for plastic cutlery and use your own. Or, if you eat on the go frequently, invest in reusable cutlery to carry with you.
3. Stop using plastic straws. A simple and easy way to reduce your plastic use is to say no to plastic straws when dining out. Many companies are beginning to make this transition themselves, including Starbucks and McDonalds. If you’re one to hesitate to give up that sweet satisfaction of sipping up that delicious drink, consider investing in a metal or durable plastic straw that is reusable.
4. Use glass food storage containers. We all know it’s easy to get carried away with plastic Tupperware (and somehow you can never find the proper fitting lid to any of them!) So next time you are looking to purchase storage containers for your leftovers, try buying glass containers. They’re both better for your health (BPA free) and better for the environment.

Home Goods, Cleaners, and Toiletries

1. Buy boxes, not bottles. Many household items, like detergent and cleaning products are offered in both plastic bottles and cardboard boxes. Choose the boxed option! Or, if you’d like to transition to more eco-friendly products overall, start making your own! Other eco-friendly options include shampoo bars and plastic-free toothpaste.
2. Seek out refill stations. It is becoming more and more common to find refill stations for common household products and soaps. Try to find a refill station near you for soap, detergent, and other hygiene products and skip the next plastic bottle purchase.
3. Avoid plastic clothes hangers and hampers. Another item we don’t normally think about is the plastic hanger. Try using wire hangers or even wooden hangers next time you run out. You can also find hampers made of various other materials including metal, cotton, wood, and wicker.
4. Avoid clothing made of synthetic materials. While we’re on the topic of wardrobe options, try to avoid clothing made of synthetic fibers. Material such as lycra, polyester, nylon, and spandex actually contain polymers (plastic) and chemicals that eventually enter the environment and ocean when discarded. Look for clothing made of natural materials instead, such as cotton, linen, and wool.
5. Stop using disposable razors. The EPA has estimated that 2 billion disposable razors are bought and used each year. Instead of disposable razors, purchase reusable razors with disposable heads, or a safety razor.
6. Buy sustainable toothbrushes. Another bathroom product people usually glance over is their toothbrush. Most common use toothbrushes are made of plastic and thrown away. Try to recycle your plastic toothbrushes and purchase a more eco-friendly alternative, such as wooden or bamboo toothbrushes.
7. Use cloth diapers. Instead of using disposable diapers, which contribute to 5. millions tons of waste each year, try using cloth diapers.
8. Use sustainable menstrual products. Conventional pads and tampons are now commonly made with plastic and synthetic fibers, instead of the cotton they used to be made with. This is not only harmful for the environment, but also uncomfortable and toxic for the body. There are many natural options out there for women that are both eco-friendly and better for your body, including silicone menstrual cups and organic cotton pads and tampons.
9. Avoid microbeads. Microbeads are actually just small (less than 1 millimeter) pieces of plastic that are added to common hygiene products. While many countries are in the process of banning them due to their easy access to lakes, rivers, and oceans, it is best to avoid those that continue to linger.

This list is a comprehensive list meant to provide a variety of options to easily eliminate unnecessary plastics from your life. There are also many books available that provide a more in-depth look at how you can create a plastic-free lifestyle. Some great options include Life Without Plastic by Chantal Plamondon and Jay Sinha, Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson, and Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too by Beth Terry.

Regardless of if you find two or three of these achievable this year, all of these, or kick start your research into a plastic free life, realize that reducing your plastic use is not only achievable, but can be easy in manageable steps. Once you begin to eliminate plastics from your life, you’ll begin to see other ways to reduce your impact on the environment; slowly lifting the burden of plastic pollution one item at a time.

Turning off the faucet…

Plastic production has increased twenty-fold over the last 50 years – Over 300 million tons of plastic is being produced every year. And it’s adding up. Eight million metric tons of that enters the ocean each year.

Our dependency on plastics for their convenience and versatility has grown exponentially. And it is projected to grow still. However, without proper facilities to dispose of all this waste, our exceeding consumption of plastics is guaranteed to create irreparable damage to the oceans, the earth, and possibly our own population. 

There’s been very little action at the global or state level, though, to resolve this problem. So what can you do about it personally? Well, one way to directly counteract the plastic problem is to stop it from the source by reducing your consumption of plastics.

How do my Individual Actions as a Consumer Help?

By using less plastic, even on the individual level, it means that less plastic is being purchased and used. Less plastic being used means that less plastic needs to be made, and therefore more plastic is being prevented from entering the environment to begin with.  

For example, if just one individual starts using a reusable water bottle, an average of 217 plastic water bottles will be saved over the course of one year. Just one individual’s actions have the potential to prevent 217 plastic water bottles from entering landfills and the natural environment.

Not only that, but a reduction in plastic consumption on the individual level has the power to affect the overall demand for plastic products.

All the time, companies are looking to find ways to better cater to consumer needs. One of the most tangible examples of this can be seen in our current food market. The sales growth of organic food has doubled in a matter of four years. Reacting to the demand, more and more food retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and Kroger have made organic food more prevalent and accessible to consumers in their stores.

By choosing not to purchase and use unnecessary plastic items like single-use water bottles, traditional plastic toothbrushes, or say, plastic straws, the demand for such products decreases, which, in turn, decreases production and supply.

As the individual begins to consume less, the manufacture of plastics begins to decrease and there’s potential for massive change on a cultural level.

The less plastic we use in our daily lives, the easier it will be to shift our culture from a single-use frame of mind.

We are already seeing this shift in grocery stores as more and more people are taking action against plastics. Earlier this year, Amsterdam created one of the first plastic-free grocery aisles in direct response to consumers’ demand for less plastic.

How big of a difference will this make though? Can an individual’s actions really add up?

The answer is: Yes.

Just ‘one’ Person

As we go through the day, most people don’t think about exactly how much plastic they consume. It’s just one coffee cup in the morning, one plastic bag of groceries, one night out that required a take-out container. But these things add up, and at the individual level, we consume a lot of plastic.

— The average person in North America or Western Europe consumes 220 kg of plastic per year.

— In the U.S. alone, the average person produces more than 2.5 kg of waste every day.

— Purchasing coffee on the go? One to-go coffee per day creates about 10.5 kg of waste in one year.

— From grocery stores, to clothing stores, to restaurant take-out, plastic bags are used for everything.

— The average person uses 300 single-use plastic bags per year in the U.S.

These numbers add up quickly. But fortunately, that also means that simple changes can make significant changes. So what can you do as an individual to consume less plastic?

Invest in…

A reusable water bottle. By using a reusable water bottle, one individual can save 217 plastic water bottles per year.

A reusable tote. Single use plastic bags have become an overwhelming problem globally. Opt for using a reusable tote at the grocery store or choose paper instead of plastic.

A reusable coffee mug. Reduce the amount of disposable cups you use by simply bringing your own.

Avoid…

Plastic straws. Americans use 500 straws every day. Reduce plastic consumption by merely choosing to drink your beverage without a straw.

Liquid soap. Start using bar soap rather than liquid body soap. Some retailers even carry bar shampoo. 

Packaged produce. Retailers have begun selling produce packaged in plastic. Buy whole, fresh produce instead to avoid plastic packaging.

Opt for…

Products sold in alternative packaging. On average, 31 kg of plastic packaging waste is produced per person per year in the EU. Try to buy goods sold in glass or paper packaging or bulk foods filled in your own containers. 

How Should I go About Reducing my Consumption of Plastic?

There are so many ways to reduce your consumption of plastic in your daily life. Easier said than done though, right? Where do you start?

1) As famously quoted by folk singer and social activist Pete Seeger, “The first step in solving a problem is recognizing that there is one.” One of the most important steps to reducing your plastic consumption is to be aware of how much you consume.

2) Ditch the plastic you can, whenever you can. We are confronted with unnecessary plastics all the time. Once you start to recognize them, it’s easy to opt out or find a different option.

3) Which brings us to the last – finding alternatives. Invest in alternative options like reusable bottles, cups, and bags. Experiment with eco-alternatives, such as bamboo toothbrushes or bar shampoo.

Reducing Plastic Pollution

These days, it seems like plastic is everywhere you look. It’s packaging your food, holding your groceries, conveniently providing water for you, wrapping your uneaten food, filling your bathroom, housing your cleaning products; truly pervading every aspect of daily life.

Yet unlike food, wood, or any other organic materials we use in day to day life, plastic is not biodegradable – meaning it can’t be eaten and decomposed by other organisms. In fact, many plastics aren’t even degradable. And those that are degradable merely break into smaller and smaller pieces, leaching chemicals and toxins into the environment and the organisms around it.

Because it takes even the most easily degradable and common plastics between 10 and 1,000 years to decompose, plastics are building up to an unmanageable amount. We are finding traces of plastic pollution in rivers, oceans, beaches, and even in animals and soils.

It is yet unknown how human consumption of plastic toxins affect our health, but studies have found plastics in our seafood and the domestic animals brought in for slaughter.

Research has also been conducted by clean up crews, such as the Ocean Conservancy, to document the most common culprits of plastic pollution found in the ocean and on beaches. Because of organizations such as this, we are beginning to better understand common pollutants and how to manage them.

The top ten most common plastic items found during the international coastal cleanup this year include (2018):

• Cigarette butts (2,412,151)
• Food wrappers (1,739,743)
• Plastic beverage bottles (1,569,135)
• Plastic bottle caps (1,091,107)
• Plastic grocery bags (757,523)
• Other plastic bags (746,211)
• Straws (643,562)
• Plastic take out containers (632,874)
• Plastic lids (624,878)
• Styrofoam take out containers (580,570)

Some of the biggest offenders of plastic pollution include plastic bags, take out containers, plastic bottles, straws, and disposable coffee mugs.

What is both unfortunate and hopeful is that almost all the items that make up these lists are single use plastics. These are items that are only used briefly for one purpose before being discarded. Fortunately though, due to their disposable nature, many of these items can not only be replaced, but avoided altogether.

Plastic Bags

On average, a plastic bag is only used for 12 minutes. And because they are so readily available, convenient, and easily discarded, we use on average about 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags a year, worldwide.

However, reducing plastic bag consumption can be simple and fairly easy. There are many things you can do to limit or stop your plastic bag use completely.

• Decline the option for a plastic bag when your items are easy to carry.
• Purchase your own reusable bag and bring it with you when you go shopping.
• Use paper bags instead of plastic when they’re available.
• Start using reusable produce bags to carry your produce, rather than the thin plastic bags provided.
• Recycle and reuse the plastic bags that you do acquire.

As you begin to transition to more sustainable options like cotton or jute bags, backpacks, or reusable plastic bags, then your perspective on plastic will shift. Instead of seeing it as an integral part of daily life, you’ll start to see it as superfluous.

Plastic Packaging

Another major offender of plastic pollution is plastic packaging (‘Other Plastic Bags’). This can range from the bags your food is packaged in, the plastic bottles your cleaning products come in, the plastic your clothes or household items are packaged in, and even your bin bags.

There are many ways to avoid this group of plastics. One is to buy in bulk at the grocery store—storing dried goods in glass jars or durable plastic storage, rather than single-use plastic.

There are entire grocery stores being established that are dedicated to plastic-free packaging.

Another is to make your own cleaning products or buy products packaged in cardboard instead of plastic. Using biodegradable bin bags is another more eco-friendly option to replace traditional plastic trash bags. Transitioning to newspaper liners is also an option.

Plastic Straws

The plastic straw movement is gaining momentum around the world and continues to be at the forefront of sustainable transitions. Last year, the Ocean Conservancy found enough straws in their beach clean up to reach the height of over 10,000 palm trees.

McDonald’s announced their transition to paper straws in the UK and Ireland earlier this year. There are many other companies looking to change their policies on plastic straws in the coming years.

One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic straw pollution and to advocate for better options is to simply say no. Whether you’re ordering a cocktail at the bar or an iced coffee at your local Starbucks, decline the option for a straw.

Another way to enact change is to inquire about paper or metal straws at your local eatery. Show your favorite establishments that you’d like to see more sustainable options.

Plastic Beverage Bottles and Disposable Cups

More than 480 billion plastic water bottles were sold in 2016, and this number is expected to grow to 583.3 billion by 2021 if things do not change.

Disposable coffee cups, which are not only lined with plastic and therefore neither recyclable nor biodegradable, use over 20 million trees to meet the need of consumers each year. It is estimated that the US alone uses over 50 billion of these coffee cups each year.

The most economical and sustainable solution to disposable beverage bottles is to switch to a reusable one. Find yourself the perfect reusable water bottle or coffee mug to bring with you in your car, on the way to work, while exercising, or what ever the occasion. 

Another way to reduce plastic water bottles is to reuse or recycle them. While not purchasing one in the first place is the best solution, if the situation cannot be avoided, recycling is the next best option.

Take Out Containers and Packaging

Take out containers also make up a significant portion of plastic pollution. Between plastic and Styrofoam containers, take out packaging is one of the top 10 items that pollute our beaches and waterways. And this does not include the plastic cutlery and/or plastic bags that typically accompany take out orders.

So what can you do to avoid this?

Decline any extra plastic ware with your food – bring your own cutlery, or use your own at home. Another great option is to skip the bag and carry the containers in your hands. Ask your favorite establishment if they can start carrying biodegradable take out containers. And finally, if you’re dining out, bring your own tupperware to place leftovers in!

Take a Stand

Individual actions are critical in the fight against plastic pollution. But individual actions alone will not be enough. It is also important to take a stand and work to effect local and national policy change. The two most important components of policy change include bans and taxes. 

Bans on certain plastics have proven to be some of the most effective plastic pollution management solutions around the world. In California, where a plastic bag ban has been in effect since 2011, there has been an 89 percent reduction in plastic storm drain litter and 59 percent reduction in city streets and neighborhoods.

In Ireland, there has been a 95 percent reduction in plastic litter since their ban in 2002.

In Kenya, where one of the most drastic plastic bag bans went into effect last year, The Guardian reported a reduction in plastic the stomachs of animals for slaughter from 3 in 10 to 1 in 10.

In terms of clean up, plastic pollution is estimated to cost an estimated $13 billion each year, according to the UN Environment Program. When it comes to the natural capital cost of plastic use – including financial impacts from pollution issues – UNEP estimates the cost at $75 billion. This number can be reduced with effective disposal programs and proper plastic waste management, reducing costs to communities and the environment.

There are innumerable ways to reduce the plastic pollution that you create as an individual and to promote change within your community. While plastic pollution may seem like an unattainable problem to tackle, both individual action and the promotion of government and corporate cooperation will begin to curb the growing problem of plastic pollution worldwide.

Learn how to stop using plastic bags:

When looking at a worldwide problem, it seems nearly impossible to stop yourself from asking, “But what can one person’s actions really achieve? Am I really going to make that much of a difference?”

When it comes to using plastics, the answer is always yes.

Take plastic bags for example: The average family in the United States accumulates around 60 plastic bags in a mere four trips to the grocery store. If that family went to the grocery store four times a month and made even one simple change – to bring their own bags – they would save over 700 plastic bags each year.

One of the simplest ways to reduce the impact of plastic pollution is to stop using plastic bags. Each year, 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed globally and only roughly 1 in 200 gets recycled.

Plastic bags take anywhere from 10-1,000 years to degrade by breaking into smaller and smaller pieces, building up in the natural environment, affecting wildlife, habitats, and human populations.

And aside from being non-biodegradable, plastic bags are a nuisance both in the environment and in the home—floating in the ocean, being eaten by wild and domestic animals, clogging drainage systems, and penetrating agricultural soil. By reducing your plastic bag use, you’re practicing a more cyclical lifestyle that not only reduces waste, but saves money and resources in the long run.

This may seem like an unrealistic goal for the average individual, but it doesn’t have to be! There are several steps that you can take to reduce your plastic bag use and eventually stop using plastic bags entirely.

• Be aware. First, simply realize how many plastic bags you use throughout any given day; per week; per month. The first step in changing a habit is to recognize it in the first place. Start paying attention to how often you use plastic bags, how quickly you discard them, and in what circumstances you could go without one.
• Decline the bag. Once you’re actively noticing your bag usage, start putting it into practice. Decline the bag! Buying one or two items at the grocery store? Opt to carry them out of the store in your hands, rather than using a plastic bag. See if the store has paper alternatives. Decline the plastic bag you’re offered for your carry-out containers. By simply pausing to consider the necessity of the bag you’re offered, you can begin to reduce your plastic bag use.
• Recycle, recycle, recycle. Opt to either recycle your plastic bags at home, or try to return them to the store you received them from. If plastics are going to be in circulation, the best case scenario is that they are recycled into other usable materials. 
• Reuse. Notice you’ve been collecting a lot of plastic bags lately? Reuse them. Plastic bags can be used throughout the house as small bin liners, to hold other recycling, or on your next grocery trip.
• Use reusable bags. What better way to reduce your plastic bag use than to stop using them? There are so many alternatives to plastic bags that can be used over and over again. Cotton, durable plastic, jute—Just to name a few. There are a variety of options out there for each individual. Find the right reusable bag for you and carry it with you, leave it in your car, or bring it to work, so that it’s on-hand when you need it.
• Bring your own produce bags. Even when you bring your own bag to the grocery store, it seems nearly impossible to avoid plastic bags in the produce aisle. One of the best ways to stop using plastic bags entirely in the grocery store is to bring your own reusable produce bags. 
• Stop using plastic bin liners. A common household offender that often gets overlooked is the garbage bin liner. Each plastic bin liner goes directly into the landfill once it leaves your doorstep. An easy way to avoid this is to buy biodegradable bin liners, or opt to use newspaper to line your bins.
• Educate and act! Look into recycling options in your community. Seek alternatives to other plastic items you use in your household. Ask your local grocer or shopping mall to start carrying more eco-friendly alternatives. Petition your local congressman to ban, tax, or create deposit schemes for your city or state. Tell a friend.

Plastic pollution is becoming more and more of an overwhelming problem, and it’s become obvious that action must be taken to solve it. Single-use plastics, like plastic bags, are some of the most prevalent and preventable pollutants, making them priority number one for individuals, businesses, and governments all over the world. 

Reducing your plastic bag use is not only manageable, but also one of the most perceptible changes you can make to your lifestyle, making it an easy target for change. Try some, or all, of these tips and challenge yourself to stop using plastic bags altogether. As you begin to do so, see how quickly your kitchen cabinet becomes uncluttered, your trash less full, and your footprint smaller.