Zero Waste Swaps That Have a Direct Impact on Our Oceans
Our oceans are suffering. There is a garbage patch the size of Texas floating in the Pacific, marine life is dying from mistaking plastic for food, and sea birds are experiencing reproductive failure from chemical runoff. The ocean pollution epidemic poses a problem for the health of our waterways, our planet, wildlife, and ourselves. And while lobbying for companies to use sustainable business practices can help drive ocean clean up and preservation, change also hinges on the actions of individuals.
If you want to be part of the change for our oceans, a simple way to get involved is adopting eco-conscious consumer habits in the form of zero waste swaps. These sustainable swaps for everyday items can help nip waste at the source, while further contributing to a healthier planet by supporting a circular economy.
Here are 10 ocean-friendly, zero waste swaps you can embrace to get started.
1. Water Bottles
It is estimated that 92% of the waste polluting our seas is plastic, making it more essential than ever to move away from single-use plastics. Instead of buying a case of water on your next grocery run, grab a reusable water bottle instead. These are easy to refill throughout the day and one reusable bottle can save thousands of plastic water bottles from entering our waste stream. If you are looking for a zero waste water filter for your home, consider using an activated charcoal stick.
2. Sunscreen
A whopping 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen ends up in our oceans yearly and the results are catastrophic. Sunscreen pollution contributes to decreased fertility in fish, bleaches and kills coral, and damages the immune systems of sea urchins—just to name a few issues. While we certainly aren't suggesting you skip the sunscreen, you should look carefully at what kind you are using. Some zero waste sunscreen brands that are ocean-friendly include Surf Durt, Raw Elements, and Bee You Organics. Additionally, be sure to protect yourself with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sunwear and stay in shadier areas when UV is at its strongest.
3. Takeout Cups
Forgo takeout cups by keeping a travel mug in your car. That way, you can avoid single-use cups without missing out on your favorite to-go beverages. As a bonus, some businesses will offer you a small discount for bringing in your own cup.
4. Straws
Plastic straws are impacting turtles and other wildlife in our seas. This realization sparked the anti-straw movement and you can do your part by stopping your use of straws altogether or by swapping to reusable ones. Reusable straws are now widely available with many options, such as glass, metal, and silicone. Most also come with a small scrub brush to make cleaning both simple and thorough. While you're at it, you may want to also stash a set of utensils in your bag so you can avoid plastic cutlery.
5. Teabags
While tea leaves are compostable, many teabags are made from synthetic materials which shed microplastics not just into our waterways—but also your cup of tea. Luckily, you can easily get away from this lesser-known polluter by changing to loose leaf tea. Once you are done with the leaves, you can even throw them in your garden for an organic nutrient boost!
6. Diapers
Disposable diapers are a hazard. They are made of non-recyclable plastic, which contains both microplastics and toxic chemicals. Pass on the disposables and save the ocean—and some money— by swapping to cloth diapers.
7. Synthetic Fabric
Microfiber bedding and clothing may feel soft and luxurious, but it releases small synthetic fibers into our waterways each time they are washed—ultimately polluting our food chain. For future purchases, avoid synthetic material like microfiber and polyester and instead opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool, and flax linen. What should you do with the clothes you already own? There is no need to toss them. Get a microfiber catching laundry bag to lessen the amount of fibers going down the drain.
8. Paper and Plastic Bags
Plastic and paper bags are commonly found among beach litter. Do your part by trading in single-use shopping bags for reusable ones. If you are feeling crafty, you can make your own reusable bags by upcycling worn out clothing that is past its prime.
9. Pet Products
If you have a dog that chews through toys like it's their day job, then you may want to rethink those plastic toys. You certainly don't have to deprive your pup, but you should consider swapping to plastic-free pet toy alternatives such as rubber or hemp. Otherwise, try a company like West Paw, who accepts broken toys back so they can reuse the material to make new ones.
10. Detergents & Cleaners
Chemical pollution in our ocean isn't just from pesticides and industrial chemicals, but household products such as detergents and cleaners as well. While we don't know the full extent of the ecological threat that these chemicals pose, we need to look to more sustainable cleaning products. This may include using soap nuts in place of laundry detergent or opting to use vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner. Want the vinegar to smell better? Try infusing it with a few orange or lemon peels for a fresh citrus scent. Or, you can also add essentials oils or herbs to create your own signature fragrance.
Beyond making eco-conscious decisions as a consumer, you may want to further your impact by joining a beach cleanup near you or becoming an ocean ambassador. Remember, saving the ocean is a collective movement, so you don't have to tackle everything—but that doesn't mean that a positive change for our oceans can't start with you.
Author Bio
Shannon Bergstrom is a LEED-accredited, TRUE waste advisor. She currently works at RTS, a tech-driven waste and recycling management company, as a sustainability operations manager. Shannon consults with clients across industries on sustainable waste practices and writes for Zero Waste.