Surfrider San Diego's Rise Above Plastics team takes advocating for the reduction of single-use plastics seriously, but we also like to have some fun! Join our Plastic-Lite Challenge Bingo to be inspired and cut down on throwaway plastics—one bingo square at a time. 
Download the Plastic-Lite Challenge Bingo card and check off each of your successes. Share the switches you make by taking a photo or video of yourself in action and post on Instagram with #plasticlitechallenge. Tag @surfridersandiego for a chance to win Surfrider San Diego swag.
Swag may include a Surfrider San Diego branded reusable canvas bag, bamboo utensil set, stainless steel cup, and/or food container. (Subject to change.)
All Plastic-Lite Challenge entries must be submitted by November 1st. Take a photo of yourself participating in a cleanup event to earn an additional entry.
ENTRY EXAMPLES
ADDITIONAL IDEAS AND RESOURCES
Additional ideas and resources are included below. Please keep in mind that attempting to remove all plastics from daily life can feel overwhelming. To avoid frustration, try reducing the use of one item at a time, and remember, the Surfrider Foundation advocates for legislation at every level of government because avoiding single-use plastics and plastic packaging should not be so incredibly difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.
DINING OUT
- Dine at Surfrider certified Ocean Friendly Restaurants
- Frequent businesses that don’t use polystyrene foam containers or cups
- Bring your own container(s) for leftovers
- Avoid drive thru and takeout — dine in instead
- Choose a reusable cup for takeaway coffee
- “Skip the Stuff” — say no to plastic utensils, straws, stirrers, sauce packets, etc.
IN THE KITCHEN
- Avoid plastic food storage containers (Don’t use plastic containers that are discolored or have been scratched)
- Avoid using plastic wrap (Use silicone covers, beeswax wraps, or food storage containers)
- Choose natural instead of synthetic sponges for handwashing dishes
- Don’t microwave plastic
- Avoid plastic cutting boards
- Don’t use dishwashing pods
- Use refillable or powdered dishwashing detergent
IN THE BATHROOM
- Use bamboo toothbrushes
- Try toothpaste tabs or make your own
- Swap disposable razors for a safety razor
- Switch to bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner or purchase liquids from a refill store
- Stop using wipes made of plastic fibers
LAUNDRY
- Use powdered, tablet, or refillable laundry detergent (no pods or sheets)
- Wash clothes less often
- Try wool dryer balls
- Choose natural fibers and/or thrift store finds when shopping for clothing and other fabric items
GROCERY SHOPPING
- Carry reusable shopping bags for all shopping errands (grocery store, pharmacy, retail, home improvement, etc.)
- Frequent your local farmers’ market
- Buy plastic free tea bags or loose leaf bulk tea
- Buy bulk coffee and use reusable coffee pods
- Buy condiments, salad dressings, etc. in glass bottles, when possible
- Buy food staples in bulk bins; use glass jars for purchases and storage
- Choose loose produce (use reusable or paper produce bags)
- Shop at a Farmers’ Market
- Shop at plastic-free grocery stores in San Diego County:
- Sunshine Market and Refillery (Cannon Road, Oceanside)
- Local Scoop & Nada Shop (Encinitas)
- Origins Grocer (North Park, San Diego)
- Refill Pantry (Clairmont Mesa, San Diego)
REFILL STORES (San Diego County)
- Sonora Refillery (South Coast Hwy, Oceanside)
- Sunshine Market and Refillery (Cannon Road, Oceanside)
- Local Scoop (Encinitas)
- Origins Grocer formerly known as The Mighty Bin (North Park, San Diego)
- EarthWell Refill (Kensington, San Diego)
- Scisters Salon & Apothecary (La Mesa)
- Kai’s Refills Soap Refillery (La Mesa)
- Refill Pantry (Clairmont Mesa, San Diego)
- Ocean Beach People’s Food Co-op (Ocean Beach, San Diego)
- Dr. Bronner’s — Newly installed soap refill stations are located at Lazy Acres in Encinitas, all Jimbo’s Naturally locations, theOcean Beach People's Organic Food Coop, EarthWell Refill, and Origins Grocer
OTHER
- Use a reusable plastic-free beverage container (Plastic water bottles leach chemicals especially when left in the sun or in hot vehicles)
- Use pencils instead of pens
- Participate in beach cleanups with Surfrider San Diego
