減少塑料的使用和環境污染

本文內容取自綠色教育基金會Green Education Foundation網站的文章Tips to Use Less Plastic。為了減少塑料生產造成的環境污染，除了推進塑料生產和包装公司的政策立法限制以外，我們可以立即採取以下日常行動，减少塑料的使用。

1. Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw 不用塑料吸管
2. Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often! 自備購物袋
3. Give up gum. Gum is made of a synthetic rubber, aka plastic 不嚼口香胶
4. Buy boxes instead of bottles. Often, products like laundry detergent come in cardboard which is more easily recycled than plastic. 買纸盒包装产品
5. Purchase food, like cereal, pasta, and rice from bulk bins and fill a reusable bag or container. You save money and unnecessary packaging. 買散装食品
6. Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk. 重复使用塑料盒
7. Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages, even when ordering from a to-go shop 用重复使用的杯子
8. Bring your own container for take-out or your restaurant doggy-bag since many restaurants use styrofoam. 去餐館時自備剩菜盒
9. Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter. 用火柴代替塑料打火器
10. Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you'll be eating fewer processed foods! 不買冰凍食品
11. Don't use plasticware at home and be sure to request restaurants do not pack them in your take-out box. 在家不用一次性塑料餐具
12. Ask your local grocer to take your plastic containers (for berries, tomatoes, etc.) back. If you shop at a farmers market they can refill it for you. 重復使用商場的塑料包裝
13. The EPA estimates that 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers are discarded in the US each year. Use cloth diapers to reduce your baby's carbon footprint and save money. 儘量用布尿布代替一次用嬰兒尿布
14. Make fresh squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles. It's healthier and better for the environment. 少買塑料瓶裝果汁
15. Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner. 自製無毒環保的清潔劑、牙膏等等
16. Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups. 不買一次用的午餐用具
17. Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of a disposable razor 不買一次用的刮鬍刀