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What you can do

A close up of "To the Depths", a recycled plastics sculpture by artist Katharine Harvey in the Ocean Travelers exhibit


Together we can reduce the flow of plastic from land to sea

Plastic pollution is a widespread problem with big impacts on ocean life. We need an approach that matches the scale of the problem and cuts back on plastic pollution at its source.

 

Support policies to reduce single-use plastic

Imagine being able to buy and use everything your family needs without sending anything to the landfill. That’s the vision of a circular economy. This idea is to “design out” waste by switching to products and materials that are meant to stay in use for as long as possible, then be recovered and regenerated into new products.

To make this happen, manufacturers and waste managers must work together to improve both product packaging and waste disposal. That includes making sure that recyclable materials are actually recycled, and that compostable materials are actually composted.

Government policies that restrict certain types of single-use plastic in favor of reusable alternatives help accelerate the transition away from single-use plastic and toward more environmentally responsible alternatives.

Here's what you can do:

  • Sign up for our Ocean Action email so we can alert you to key moments to use your voice. 
  • By supporting policies to reduce plastic, you are telling policymakers that ocean health is important to you.
  • You can also urge your elected officials to improve waste management systems, including recycling.

 

Cut back on single-use plastic

Plastic is all around us  — but we can change that, starting with using less of it every day. Often, we can easily replace the single-use plastic items we use with more environmentally responsible ones. Over time, these simple swaps can add up to a lot less plastic in our landfills and ocean.

Here's what you can do:

  • Use reusable coffee cups and shopping bags instead of single-use ones. Reusable silicone bags and other durable containers can replace single-use plastic sandwich bags. 
  • When you shop, consider buying some grocery items in bulk by filling your own containers.
  • Choose products with less plastic packaging and support businesses that are working to reduce their plastic waste.

Our consumer choices send a clear signal to businesses and can incentivize much bigger changes.

Shifting to a lower-plastic lifestyle can be intimidating since plastic is part of many aspects of our lives. But just as with any ocean-friendly habit, we can take small steps that lead to bigger changes. Remember to focus on progress over perfection.

 

 

Recycle properly

  • Recycling is an important part of the solution to ocean plastic pollution. After doing everything we can to reduce our use of single-use plastic, it is important that we prevent the rest from escaping into the environment. Capturing plastic for recycling is a key way to do that, but we don’t do it enough. In the United States, we only recycle about five percent of the plastic we use.  

    Part of the problem is that many types of single-use plastic are not readily recyclable. Companies can help by considering the true recyclability of the materials they use for their products and packaging.

    We also need more and better recycling infrastructure across the United States and increased market demand for recycled materials. 

  • Here's what you can do:

    • Whenever possible, choose products with recycled plastic content over those made with virgin plastic.
    • Support improvements to recycling infrastructure in your community. If you don’t have a curbside recycling service, ask for it!
    • And before you toss your plastic waste in the blue bin, take a second to make sure it is actually recyclable where you live.

    How can you tell if an item is recyclable? Turn it over and look at the bottom. Plastic products are stamped with a number between 1 and 7 inside a recycling arrow logo. The number indicates what type of plastic resin the product is made from — generally, lower numbers are more recyclable. 

    Every community has its own regulations on what you can recycle and how to do it properly.

    Check with your waste management district to see what they accept. 

 

Limit your exposure

Plastic and plastic additives contain many harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on human health, including increased risk of cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.  Unfortunately, we’re exposed to these chemicals through common plastic items we use daily, including food packaging and containers. Here are some ways to limit exposure and protect your health in your everyday life.

Here's what you can do:

  • Ditch the plastic wrap and opt for reusable (ex. beeswax wrap, silicone) or recyclable (ex. aluminum) materials when possible.
  • Store food in metal or glass containers instead of plastic. You can always clean and reuse jars from food items you buy at the store.
  • Don’t put plastic food containers in the microwave or wash them  in the dishwasher. The heat can cause them to release certain harmful chemicals into your food. 
  • Choose reusable water bottles over plastic ones (unless water quality is a concern in the area where you live). 
  • To the extent possible, choose loose or unwrapped fresh fruits and vegetables instead of plastic-wrapped produce.
  • Vacuum and dust your home often to reduce exposure to dust and microplastics

 

Get involved

Plastic trash often makes its way — by wind, and through storm drains and rivers — to the ocean. Even if you live inland, you can help reduce ocean plastic pollution by using less single-use plastic and properly disposing of your plastic waste.

Here's what you can do:

  • Help keep plastic out of the ocean and other waterways by participating in local trash cleanups.
  • Reduce plastic use. The more we can prevent plastic from becoming waste in the first place, the less we’ll have to clean up later, so tackling this issue at the source has big benefits.
  • Speak up about ocean plastic pollution. The more we talk about it and share ideas, the easier it is to reduce plastic waste, and the more change will happen. 

Related content

Plastic pollution is a big problem, but one that we can solve. Read more about plastic pollution — and efforts to stop plastic in its tracks.

Close-up of moon jelly

Support Monterey Bay Aquarium

Help us reduce the sources of ocean plastic pollution and protect the ocean — not just today, but for generations to come.

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