As the New Year approaches, you might be thinking about how you can do just a little bit more for the environment. Ultimately, what’s good for the environment is good for us, as our well-being is intrinsically linked to a healthy earth. This is especially true if you’re a seafood lover because more than 50 species of fish have been found to consume plastics by mistaking it for food.
Here are some ideas to help you create a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle in the New Year!
Dine at Good Catch restaurants.
Good Catch partners have committed to source more local and regional seafood which is fresher and has a smaller carbon footprint. Our platinum partners have also committed to reduce their use of plastics!
Bring your own shopping bag.
Over 500 billion single-use plastic bags are used each year around the world and they have a high environmental cost. Establishing a habit of bringing your own shopping bags is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic pollution!
Stop buying bottled water.
Unless there’s some kind of contamination crisis, eliminating plastic water bottles from everyday use is an easy way to reduce daily waste. Keep refillable bottles handy!
Opt for items without plastic packaging.
One easy place to make positive changes is in the produce area of your grocery store. Here are some great alternatives to plastic produce bags to shop for veggies and fruit!
Green your travel.
Bring your own refillable shampoo, conditioner and lotion to avoid the minis supplied by hotels since hundreds of millions of these go in the trash annually. And don’t forget to bring your reusable coffee mug, water bottle and bag!
Say no to straws.
With over 500,000,000 straws entering the waste stream every day after a single use, we have to rethink our use of them, especially when these incredible options are available!
Request alternative to-go containers.
Ask your server what kind of to-go containers they use. If it’s Styrofoam, ask for foil. We promise, they will be happy to get this for you!
Get a pod-free coffee maker.
There are new, alternative coffee makers that make single cups of coffee without using plastic pods. Invest in the environment by choosing a new machine like this one!
Let businesses hear from you.
Businesses want their customers to be happy and to return so if you’re concerned about the amount and types of plastics they use, kindly tell them. On the flip side, thank the businesses that are going the extra length to be eco-friendly!
Developing green habits takes a little time and self-discipline but once you master these practices, they will never leave you! It is healthier for you and your family, as well as for water, wildlife and wild places. Happy New Year from the South Carolina Aquarium!