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04.01.25

Simple Ideas for Plastic-Lite Living: Earth Day Everyday

While Earth Day, founded in 1970, has evolved over time into Earth Month, Surfrider San Diego is committed to taking action for the planet year-round, and our Rise Above Plastics team has compiled some tips to help you adopt a plastic-lite lifestyle every day.

Earthrise crop 2-1Earthrise in the Anthropocene—By Janis Jones

It's important to keep in mind that eliminating all plastics from daily life can feel overwhelming. To avoid frustration, start by reducing one or two items at a time. And remember, the Surfrider Foundation advocates for legislation at all levels of government because avoiding single-use plastics and plastic packaging shouldn't be so difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.

To make it fun, start by using our Plastic-Lite Challenge Bingo card and check off the changes as you make them! This bingo card can not only serve as a regular reminder,  it can provide a challenge for you, your family, and friends. It includes helpful links to information about each item and why they should be avoided. You’ll find additional ideas and resources below, including links to local refill and grocery stores where you can shop plastic-free.

Plastic-Lite Bingo

Finally, we invite you to join us in reducing plastic waste in our communities. Whether you’re taking the Plastic-Lite Challenge, volunteering for one of our beach cleanups, making a donation to become a member and support our programs, or advocating alongside us, your involvement makes a difference. Every action counts, and together we can create lasting impact for our ocean, waves, and beaches. 

REFILL STORES (San Diego County)

Images from Sonora Refillery in Oceanside

GROCERY SHOPPING

  • Carry reusable shopping bags for all shopping errands (not just to the grocery store): pharmacies, clothing boutiques, gift shops, home improvement stores, etc. 
  • Choose loose produce (use reusable or paper produce bags)
  • Refuse single-use plastic beverage bottles Choose a reusable plastic-free beverage container instead (Plastic beverage bottles contain microplastics and leach chemicals especially when left in the sun or in hot vehicles)
  • Buy bulk coffee (If you use coffee pods, choose a reusable stainless steel option)
  • Buy plastic free tea bags or loose leaf bulk tea
  • Buy condiments, salad dressings, etc. in glass bottles, when possible
  • Choose plastic-free chewing gum (some chewing gums release microplastics)
  • Buy food staples from grocers with bulk bins; use glass jars for purchases and storage
  • Frequent a local Farmers’ Market (San Diego County markets are listed HERE)
  • Shop at a plastic-free grocery store:

DINING OUT

  • Dine at Ocean Friendly Restaurants certified through the Surfrider Foundation
  • Frequent businesses that don’t use polystyrene foam (StyrofoamTM) containers or cups
  • Choose restaurants that use certified compostable foodware (no bioplastics)
  • Bring your own container(s) for leftovers
  • Avoid drive-thru and takeout — dine in instead
  • Carry a reusable cup for takeaway beverages
  • Carry a set of reusable cutlery instead of using single-use plastic forks, knives, and spoons
  • “Skip the Stuff” — say "no" to plastic utensils, straws, stirrers, sauce packets, etc. 

FirstLook_PlotRestaurant_KimberlyMotos-2The Plot in Oceanside is a plastic-free, vegan Ocean Friendly Restaurant.

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 glass food storage containers, silicone covers, or beeswax wraps)
  • Choose natural instead of synthetic sponges and brushes for handwashing dishes
  • Never microwave plastic 
  • Avoid plastic cutting boards
  • Use refillable or powdered dishwasher detergent (Don’t use pods)

IN THE BATHROOM

  • Use bamboo toothbrushes and plastic-free dental floss
  • Choose plastic-free toothpaste, such as David’s or try toothpaste tabs
  • Swap disposable razors for reusable safety razors
  • Switch to bars for hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner or purchase liquids from a refill store 
  • Don’t use wipes made of plastic fibers

LAUNDRY

  • Choose natural fibers when shopping for clothing and other fabric items
  • Clothing made from synthetic materials like polyester releases microplastics. To reduce their impact:
    • Wash clothes less often
    • Wash full loads to reduce friction between garments
    • Wash laundry on cold to minimize fiber shedding
    • Run shorter wash cycles to reduce the wear on fabrics
    • Air dry laundry whenever possible
  • Use powdered, tablet, or refillable laundry detergent (avoid pods or sheets, which are often made with plastic)
  • Try wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets made with plastic
  • If possible, add a microfiber filter to your washing machine and attach an outdoor lint trap to your dryer exhaust system

GATHERINGS/CELEBRATIONS