Just say NOPP to Ocean Plastic Pollution

No Ocean Plastic Pollution

We've been thinking a lot about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and all the plastic polluting the ocean and harming sealife. 

Here are seven ways you can do your part to make a change.                                       

1. Reduce your use of single-use plastics.

These include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, take-out containers, dry cleaning bags.   Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store, always bring your own water bottle with you when you leave the house. Sit down and enjoy that cup of coffee at your favorite coffee house instead of getting it in a takeout cup. Refuse that straw at the restaurant. If you have to have one, bring your own.  

2. Recycle the Right Way

Most of us already recycle, but are you doing it correctly? You know those numbers on the plastic containers? Most recyclers accept plastic #1(soda bottles, water bottles, salad dressing containers, peanut butter containers, mouthwash bottles, etx.), #2 (milk jugs, household cleaner containers, yoghurt tubs, cereal box liners, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, etc.), and sometimes #5 (ketchup bottles, syrup bottles, medicine bottles, etc.). Check with your recycling service to make sure you are giving them items that they accept.

3.  Organize a Beach or River Cleanup

This is one of most direct ways to contribute, and you can make a party of it. Collecting plastic waste along beaches and riverbanks can be the most rewarding way to see how you are making a difference.

4. Support Bans

Many cities around the globe have enacted bans on on single use plastic bags,  takeout containers, and bottles. Talk to your local politicians about adopting similar policies in your city.

5. Eliminate Using Products Containing Microbeads

Micro-beads are tiny plastic particles that are found in some face scrubs, toothpastes and body washes. They enter into the oceans and waterways through our sewer systems, and effect marine species. Look for “polythelene” and “polypropylene” in the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products to see if they contain micro-beads. If they do, find another product that is "ocean friendly".

6. Spread the Word

Keep informed on issues about plastic pollution, and spread the word. Tell your friends and family about how they can help make changes to reduce their use of plastics.

7. Donate to Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution

There are many non-profit organizations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution like The Plastic Bank, The Ocean Cleanup, The Oceanic Society, etc.

We here at Tutela Handbags have committed to make a difference. We have developed a new Mesh Series line of bags that are durable for reuse in place of single-use plastic shopping bags. We are donating a percentage of sales to the non-profits above as well.

We hope you are inspired to make a change as well!