What does throwing something “away” really mean?
Of course you know most things end up in the landfill, but what you might not know is that we have new, unplanned landfills of the sea, and the closest one to us is the size of Texas, off the coast of California. Luckily, it turns out there are some things you can do to help.
The Pacific Garbage Patch: Tips on How You Can Help
Why this Matters:
- Less trash will find its way into the Gyre (aka the Pacific Garbage Patch), and therefore it will stay out of the bellies of sea animals.
- Toting cute re-usable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee mugs is in vogue, plus it sparks meaningful conversations.
- Save mad money by avoiding single-serving items.
On A Personal Note
People often ask where I get my reusable water bottles… I’ll let you in on the secret – they are free! These repurposed Italian lemonade bottles are the best, and they enhance any dinner table setting.
Ready to try?
- Watch the episode to get the big picture on the Gyre and how to easily integrate reusables into your lifestyle.
- Load up your trunk with reusable shopping bags so you’re never caught without one (and check out this helpful guide).
- Get yourself some reusable water bottles as a buffer against single-use bottled water – and save over $600 a year.
- Well-insulated coffee cups keep your coffee warmer longer and lots of shops will give you a discount on your drink.
A Deeper Dig
- A great quick video from Annie Leonard, called “The Story of Bottled Water.” (Perfect length for watching with the kiddos, too.)
- If you want shock and awe, watch Tapped on Netflix streaming, which is all about the bottled water industry and its effects.
Our Fresh Pick
We love these Glass Dharma drinking straws for our smoothies (okay and maybe a blended margie from time to time). There’s no taste of plastic, and of course no plastic waste. (Plus friends think they are fancy.)
Did You Know…
Annually, the amount of oil used to make the plastic bottles for bottled water in the US is enough to fuel 1.3 million cars for an entire year.
Such a simple idea…keep your grocery bags and a few extra water bottles/coffee mugs back there too! I had no idea the Gyre was the size of Texas…that is so sad.
Thanks for the broad comments on recycled bags/bottles. I haven’t bought a bag or bottle in three years, doing my part. AND as a sailor, I’ve seen bits of the gyre, all over the oceans. Smaller patches of floating garbage have become ecosystems for fish and barnacles, birds and turtles…
Please remind your viewers of Annie Leonard’s general summary in her videos and talks: Pick an issue you have passion about, and find out how to work for change. i.e.: Keystone XL, Citizen’s United, etc.
Keep up the good work. Thanks, Nonnie
thank you Jessica and Nonnie for your thoughts… and yes Nonnie, we love Annie Leonard and all of her advice! Thanks for the reminder to our viewers! 😉