When I first agreed to this plastic free scheme (despite my ever growing enthusiasm, it was my husband’s brain child) I thought we’d be lone eco-freaks filling our muslin bags at the co-op. To my delight, we are far from alone. So, so many of us are looking for ways to live less wastefully, inspiring each other to ever greater heights of eco-freakiness. Witness this here pledge from the Plastic Pollution Coalition. I like it. Especially the first bit about just saying no. That’s all it takes, folks. I promise you won’t go hungry. It might even be kind of fun. Try it for a day, a week, or as long as you like.

Single-Use Plastic Emergency Response (S.U.P.E.R.) Hero Pledge

I will follow the “4 Rs” of sustainable living in the following order of preference:

Refuse:

Just say NO to single-use and disposable plastics like bags and bottles, straws, cups, plates, silverware and razors. Instead, bring your own shopping and produce bags to the market. Carry a reusable bottle with you for drinking on the go. Bring your travel mug to the coffee shop. Pack your own utensils. Skip the straw. (Plastic straws are for suckers!) Bring your own containers for take-out or ask for non-plastic disposable packaging.

Reduce:

Reduce waste: buy in bulk, choose products with the least packaging, look for products and packaging made from renewable resources, and avoid plastic packaging and containers. Choose products that have the least amount of disposable parts, like razors with replaceable blades and toothbrushes with replaceable brushes.

Reuse:

Reuse preferably nontoxic (glass, stainless steel) containers and goods to make less waste. Bad habits are disposable, containers are reusable.

Recycle:

Recycle what you can’t refuse, reduce or reuse. Recycling is a last option because it uses energy, and there may not be a market for the refabricated materials.

Oh yeah. That’s what I’m talking about. Ready to sign on? Click here to take the pledge.

If you’re still not convinced that your actions can make a difference

you might enjoy this post from Fake Plastic Fish on Why Personal Changes Matters.